Notable neighbors

Micah Brady, an eighth-grader at St. Mary's School in Boise, won the grand prize for an essay submitted in the Fifth Annual National Paralyzed Veterans Essay Contest. Brady's entry was chosen from more than 1,300 submissions.

This year's essay theme was "Veterans: Thank You For Your Service." Brady received an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to attend Veterans Day ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and appear at a Paralyzed Veterans of America's reception, where the winning essay was read.

This is the second year in a row that a St. Mary's student has won the grand prize in this essay contest. Last year, sixth-grade student Cede Pratt won the prize.

Sue Thompson has been named Optimist of the Year by the Meridian Optimist Club. She was recognized for her support of youth activities in Meridian, including the Optimist football program concessions and the Optimist Oratorical and Essay Contest scholarship programs. Thompson also was elected to serve as club president for 2008-2009.

SIR Nordic Ski Patrol has named the following individuals as National Ski Patrol System Outdoor Emergency Care Instructors: Dennis Ahern, Mike Cline, Ivy Gimmel, Ted Hogan, Kim Jackson and Shannon Thomas.

Phillip Stucker, a student at Meridian High School, won best of show honors and took first- and second-place trophies in the teen division of the Drexel Foundation's Children's Film Festival & Filmmakers competition, held in September at the Rex Theater in Vale, Ore. His entry, an original animation, was titled "We Didn't Start The Fire."

Participants received a trophy and a prize bag of items donated by program sponsors. First-place winners in each category won a $50 savings bond from the Drexel Foundation. The best-of-show winner also received a $100 savings bond.

The local Drexel project begins each spring and involves kids and teens with the T.V.T.V. Public access station in Boise. Drexel Foundation pays for students to take the classes about studio production, learn about cameras, lighting, directing, sound and technical crew involvement.

Idaho Dental Hygienists' Association recently elected Sally Kane as president for 2008-2009. IDHA represents the professional interests of the more than 1,100 dental hygienists across the state.

Kane has earned a number of awards and recognitions, including the 1999 Idaho State University Health Related Professions, Professional Achievement Award, commemorative plaque for co-leadership during the 2000 Seal Idaho campaign, as well as a 2006 IDHA Distinguished Service Award.

Kane works for Central District Health Department, coordinating the Happy-Healthy Smiles Clinic at Meridian Elementary School, a program for uninsured children primarily funded by grants from Ronald McDonald Foundation and Regence Caring Foundation for Children.

Stephanie Eddy: 377-6481

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