High school seniors to get Principal’s Award

Seniors at Casco Bay, Deering and Portland high schools have been selected by their principals to receive the 2010 Principal’s Award from the Maine Principals’ Association.

The award recognizing academic achievement and citizenship will go to Molly Monaghan at Portland High, Mohdis Delijani at Deering High and Katie Cole at Casco Bay High.

“Molly is a wonderful young lady who is always giving of herself for her school and others,” said Portland Principal Michael Johnson. “She is involved in many facets of the school and is an outstanding scholar.”

“Throughout her years at Deering, Mohdis has been a quiet inspiration in the classroom, on the playing field, on the stage and as a leader in the school and the community,” said Deering Principal Kenneth Kunin.

“Katie Cole is an excellent student and an even more excellent human being,” said Casco Bay Principal Derek Pierce, noting that Cole embodies the school’s core values of seeking knowledge, being accountable and being compassionate.

For her senior project, Cole is organizing a fundraiser to benefit for two local organizations that support orphans in Romania, Cambodia and Sudan. The event, featuring traditional food and entertainment, will be held on March 13 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Maine Film Studio, 235 Presumpscot St.

Principal’s Award winners across the state will be honored at a luncheon in Bangor on April 3. Five $1,000 scholarships will be given in the names of Horace McGowan and Richard Tyler, former Maine principals and executive directors of the association.

Deering debate team members qualify for national contests

Several members of the Deering High School speech and debate team distinguished themselves in recent competitions.

Sarina Selleck won the Junior Varsity State Championship in Lincoln-Douglas debate. In the same category, Jean McCabe qualified for the Catholic Forensic League National Championship Tournament in Omaha, Neb., on May 28-30.

Jean also qualified for the National Forensic League National Championship Tournament in Kansas City, Mo., on June 13-18.

Noah Finberg also qualified for the Catholic Forensic League Nationals, in the category of extemporaneous speaking.

Rock Around the World dance March 12

The multilingual program in the city’s public schools will host its fifth annual Rock Around the World dance party fundraiser on March 12 at the Italian Heritage Center, 40 Westland Ave.

The program now serves about 60 language groups and immigrants comprise more than one-quarter of student enrollment.

The event at 40 Westland Ave. will run from 7 to 11 p.m. and feature a silent auction and international, food, music and dancing, and dance instruction.

Tickets are $25 each. A limited number will be available at the door for $30. Tickets can also be purchased in blocks of ten which secures a table for large parties. Call 874-8135 to buy tickets or get involved.

Student artwork at PMA, City Hall

The artwork of students, city employees and others is being featured in exhibits at the Portland Museum of Art and City Hall this month.

The Portland Museum of Art is hosting the 2010 Youth Art Month Student Exhibition through April 4.  The show includes several pieces by students in the city’s public schools.

A reception sponsored by the Maine Art Education Association and the museum will be held Saturday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the museum.

The artwork of nearly 100 city employees and their family members is on display at City Hall through March 19. Exhibitors include public library and school district employees.

Sponsored by the National Arts Program, awards will be given in amateur, intermediate, professional and youth categories. The exhibit is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.