Carroll High School

Stella N. Tsourakis, a Carroll County bus driver who lost that job after leading students in the Lord's Prayer after the terrorist attacks Sept. 11, has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to be reinstated, claiming school officials violated her constitutional rights and those of her passengers. The parents of six students have joined Tsourakis in the suit against county school officials, saying the bus driver and passengers should have the right to pray together. In 10 counts, they allege school officials violated their civil and First Amendment rights to freedom of speech, association, assembly and exercise of religion.

Stella N. Tsourakis, a Carroll County bus driver who lost that job after leading students in the Lord's Prayer after the terrorist attacks Sept. 11, has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to be reinstated, claiming school officials violated her constitutional rights and those of her passengers. The parents of six students have joined Tsourakis in the suit against county school officials, saying the bus driver and passengers should have the right to pray together. In 10 counts, they allege school officials violated their civil and First Amendment rights to freedom of speech, association, assembly and exercise of religion.

A Carroll County school bus driver, reprimanded in December after she led her young passengers in the Lord's Prayer after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, has been suspended - but not for praying. Stella N. Tsourakis, 37, of Manchester said she was told at the end of her shift Monday afternoon that she was suspended, but she said she didn't know why. Her attorney, Steven L. Tiedemann, said he plans to file a federal lawsuit by Monday alleging a violation of her First Amendment rights - perhaps a class action to include at least two children who want to pray on the bus. "I can tell you she was suspended, but not because of praying," said Charles I. Ecker, Carroll's interim school superintendent, who made the decision.

WHETHER IT'S SCIENCE or a parlor trick is debatable. But, without a doubt, hypnotism is entertainment. The student Business Club at North Carroll High School is tapping into this form of entertainment by sponsoring "The Skylr Experience Comedy Hypnosis Show" as a fund-raiser March 8. The show has been performed at middle and high schools along the East Coast. Tom Davidson, a teacher who advises the Business Club, said he checked with other principals and schools about the show and everyone agreed "it was hilarious, clean and fun."

Acrylic paintings by art teacher on display at council Carroll County artist Marge Wickes will display her colorful acrylic paintings today through Jan. 24 at Carroll County Arts Council. Her works include portraits, landscapes and exotic animal life. This show includes works she did in collaboration with her photographer husband, Gordon Wickes. She painted some of her favorite images from his photos. Paintings by her students from the Senior Inclusion Program also will be displayed.

THE HOLIDAY SEASON will be in full swing this weekend and next as North Carroll community groups sponsor the first of many events. The annual Christmas Bazaar held by residents of Long View Nursing Home in Manchester will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Crafts, pillows, wreaths, ceramics, plants, woodworking and other holiday items will be offered. A baked goods and rummage table will be available. This year's raffle will feature a handmade patch and embroidery quilt for first prize; a crocheted Christmas afghan, second prize; a 3-foot snowman, third prize; and a Christmas musical carousel, fourth prize.

School administrators, parents and members of the Carroll County Board of Education were pleased yesterday by the news that interim Superintendent Charles I. Ecker agreed to accept a four-year appointment as superintendent starting in July. During the 13 months that Ecker has served as interim superintendent, many people have credited him with reaching out to the community and improving the system's tarnished image in the wake of investigations and lawsuits regarding bungled school construction projects.

South Carroll High School German students and German Club members will present their 10th annual Fruhlingsfest - German Spring Festival - at 7 p.m. May 11 in the school cafeteria. The event includes German desserts, music and dancing. All are welcome. Tickets are $3 at the door. The school is at 1300 W. Old Liberty Road, Winfield. Information: 410-751-3575. Chevy club to hold car, truck show, drag racing Heart of Maryland Classic Chevy Club will hold a Supreme Chevy & All GM Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 27 at 75/80 Dragway in Monrovia.

Three students accused of setting off firecrackers Two small firecrackers set off at North Carroll High School yesterday led to suspensions for three students, according to the state fire marshal. No one was injured and the school in the 3800 block of Hampstead-Mexico Road was not evacuated in the incident, which was reported by school staff. Two 1-by- 1/2 -inch cylindrical fireworks were set off near an elevator by the cafeteria and in a boys lavatory near the main office. Three 15-year-old boys were suspended from school for an amount of time to be determined later, and other charges are possible, according to a report of the incident.

Scanning the architectural drawings before him, Principal David Booz saw nothing but a jumble. Lines for basketball. Lines for practice courts. And lines for competition volleyball, practice volleyball and regulation badminton - all on the same gymnasium floor. "How soon do you need these?" he asked. "Right away," a chorus of project managers, architects and construction assistants responded with the intensity of a team of harried doctors about to perform heart surgery. Work crews are laying and bolting down the wooden subflooring right now, they explained.