Lifestyle

Riverside School recently held its eighth-grade graduation in the Riverside parking lot. Those graduates present included back row from left, Caleb Mehan, Daniel Castanon, Peyton Churn, salutatorian and Canadian County Honor Society recipient, and Caleb Wiyninger. Front row from left, Kaysen Atkinson, co-valedictorian and Canadian County Honor Society recipient, Jadzia Taylor, co-valedictorian and Canadian County Honor Society recipient, Ashlynn Kozak and Lauryn Shaw.

Redlands Community College recently announced those students named to the college’s honor rolls for the spring 2020 semester.

Students listed on the President’s Honor Roll have completed 12 or more credit hours and have earned a GPA of not less than 3.8, with no grade less than a B – excluding 0-level courses.

The Vice President’s Honor Roll recognizes students who have completed 12 or more hours of coursework and have earned a GPA of 3.5 to 3.79, with no grade less than a C – excluding 0-level courses.

Honor rolls at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford and Sayre have been announced for the 2020 spring semester.

Those undergraduate students earning all A’s in 12 or more hours during a semester qualify for the President’s Honor Roll. Students earning a grade point average of 3.5 or higher with no grade lower than a C are recognized on the Dean’s Honor Roll.

The rains have created the most magical spring season in many moons … it is positively breathtaking this year.

Each and every species is growing and flowering at an unprecedented rate to the delight of gardeners everywhere.

This year my ancient Deutzia scabra, which is planted next to the lily pond in dense shade, has performed beyond my wildest dreams.

The Hinton 2020 All School Alumni Reunion originally set for July 4 has been canceled.

It is hoped this event will be held in 2021.

El Reno’s Bradleigh Baker will be among the 100 Oklahoma Academic All-Staters featured in a OETA Public Television broadcast Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17.

With the cancellation of its Academic Awards Banquet due to COVID-19, the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence is partnering with OETA Public Television to broadcast the 30-minute tribute to award-winning students and educators at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 16, and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 17.

The program will also be shown on OETA World Channel at 8:30 p.m. May 23 and 7:30 p.m. May 30.

Canadian County CASA Inc. (Court Appointed Special Advocates) recognizes longtime volunteer Jeff Coan.

For nearly five years, Coan has served as a CASA, speaking up for the best interests of two brothers in the child welfare system. The siblings have had at least three caseworkers and have moved over 40 times in the time Coan has been assigned to their case.

In describing why he became a CASA and why this work is important, Coan says, “I felt called to help children and I believed CASA was the best way to invest my time and efforts into my community and its future.”

Wesley United Methodist Women donated more than 500 diapers and sanitary wipes to Youth and Family Services. Pictured from left, Donna Stirman, Lillian Ray, Pat Stephens and Jaylin Davison. The drive started in late March. YFS is still accepting diaper donations. “The need is always there,” said Ray.

Etta Dale Junior High Honor Society would like to welcome its newest members.

Honorees are chosen based on academic achievement and include the top 5 percent of seventh-graders and top 10 percent of eighth-graders according to grade point average.

Students also must have attended El Reno Public Schools for a minimum of two consecutive semesters.

Seventh-grade members include Jackson Albrecht, Trinity Black, Rylan Fleenor, Mason McClure, Riley Ray, Conley Knapp, Heath Shelton, Aldina Watson, Gentri Baeriswyl, Josie Felton, Howard Keel and Daphne Mendoza.

Last week the killer hornet was in the news as it ravages bee hives, decapitating and killing all of the bees.

Suddenly the importance of our relationship with bees is forefront, for mankind is dependent upon them to pollinate 70 of the top 100 crop species that feed 90 percent of the human population.

Without their pollination these plants would cease to exist as would the animals who eat them. This could create a catastrophic effect that would ripple across the entire food chain.