National Merit Scholarship semifinalists announced

Ryan Sinno and CMPD Officer G.A. Stuart compared notes on Sept. 10 while on patrol in Ballantyne Commons. Ryan’s mother, Nicole Sinno, said Stuart was finishing a routine traffic stop near the neighborhood on Ballantyne Commons and saw Ryan driving his “police” car. Stuart pulled over, got out and talked to Ryan about his car and took a genuine interest in him, she said. They spoke about Stuart’s work and Ryan “patrolling” hi family’s neighborhood and agreed to be buddies keeping everyone safe. “Ofiicer Stuart showed such compassion for children and did a great deed today stopping and taking time with Ryan,” Nicole Sinno said. “We are so thankful for him and for all the officers on the CMPD task force.” Courtesy of Nicole Sinno

National Merit Scholarship

Officials of National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced the names of approximately semifinalists in the 63rd annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Students include Sarah E. Ward from David Butler High, Cameron S. Collins from Covenant Day School and Nathaniel H. McGowan from Greyfriars Classical Academy.

Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy

Charlotte student Anushka Kulkarni from Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy was named to a list of the Top 300 competitors in the Broadcom Masters — the prestigious Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) competition for middle school students.

Pages

Three south Charlotte high school students recently served as Pages for the North Carolina House of Representatives.

Rhea Bhagia, a student at Providence Day School, is the daughter of Priti Bhagia and was sponsored by Representative Andy Dulin (R), Mecklenburg.

Caroline Beason, a student at Providence Day, is the daughter of Amos N. Beason and Kimberly H. Beason and was sponsored by Representative Andy Dulin (R), Mecklenburg.

Katherine Sanniota, a student at Ardrey Kell High School, is the daughter of Scott Sanniota and Julie Sanniota and was sponsored by Representative Scott Stone (R), Mecklenburg.

The North Carolina House Page Program offers firsthand experience to students from across the state. Each year, the program provides a captivating insight into government by connecting students with elected leaders of North Carolina. Pages are given the opportunity to observe North Carolina lawmakers, lobbyists, staff and constituents working together in the legislative process. The Pages witness and learn how a bill becomes a law, the structure of state government, and the legislative process. House Pages attend session and committee meetings each day. House Pages are also given the opportunity to provide office assistance to members and staff of the House of Representatives.

Garinger High School

Garinger High School in Charlotte has received a $2,000 grant from United Health Foundation and Whole Kids Foundation as part of statewide initiative to support nutrition education.

Twenty-two schools and YMCAs across the state received a grant to build or expand an existing vegetable garden - and provide students with educational resources about agriculture, caring for the environment and maintaining healthy lifestyles. Garinger High School will use its grant to start a student-run farm stand to teach students about the business side of agriculture and raise money to sustain the program.

This story was originally published September 26, 2017 at 8:13 PM with the headline "National Merit Scholarship semifinalists announced."