MOUNT AIRY Middle School raised its victory flag for the first time Wednesday afternoon during a celebration that included students, teachers and a special guest.
The crowd cheered and the school band played as the blue-and-white victory flag was raised up the flag pole in front of the school, taking its place next to the U.S. and Maryland flags.
The ceremony recognized students' efforts during a recent school read-a-thon that raised money for Mount Airy resident Derek Taylor.
During the celebration, Taylor accepted a check for $2,400 -- money raised from the April 25 event.
Taylor is a 1996 South Carroll High School graduate who was severely injured in a diving accident in August while working as a lifeguard.
Derek broke his neck and was paralyzed from the chest down.
He is undergoing rehabilitative therapy.
Principal Virginia Ashmore said the successful fund-raiser provided the perfect opportunity to give the victory flag its first run up the flag pole.
Flying the victory flag is a way to recognize and draw attention to the positive things that the students and school accomplish. Other reasons could include perfect attendance, good test scores or band awards.
The flag had been in the planning stage since the beginning of the school year.
It was sewn by students at Carroll County Career and Technology Center, under the direction of Cathy Spencer.
Students Michelle Grasser, Angela King, Daryl Marine, Laura Dziorney and Jenna Erb designed the flag. They were selected jTC after submitting preliminary designs.
The school mascot, a bulldog, is featured on the front of the blue-and-white flag.
Holding a smaller flag that reads, "Together we can do anything," the bulldog captures the spirit of the flag.
Street hockey registration
Anyone interested in joining a Mount Airy street hockey league on Sundays can register from 4: 30 p.m. to 6 p.m. May 24 and from 1: 30 p.m. to 3: 30 p.m. May 25.
Registration will be held at the Prospect Park street hockey court, Prospect Park, Mount Airy.
Chris Denbow, commissioner of the Central Maryland Sunday Hockey League, said the nonprofit street hockey league
provides an opportunity for people to play hockey in a casual atmosphere. Anyone age 16 and older and of any skill level can play.
Registration fee is $15.
Information: 410-719-1368.
Spring fling
What better way to celebrate spring than at the second annual Spring Fling, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow in the downtown area of Main Street, Mount Airy.
The event, sponsored by the Mount Airy Beautification Commission, will feature local nurseries, crafts and area business displays. Dancing and singing will be performed by local groups.
Stained-glass demonstrations, educational and agricultural displays, a farmers' market, local authors, face painting and free legal advice will be featured.
For children, appearances by Carroll County library mascot Corky the Penguin, Sparky the Fire Dog and McGruff the crime fighting dog are sure to be a hit.
Christy Kruhm's Southwest Carroll neighborhood column appears Fridays in the Carroll County edition of The Sun.
Pub Date: 5/16/97
