Cecil College

Notre Dame student is history finalist Niki Johnson, a junior at College of Notre Dame of Maryland who is from Colora, Cecil County, was named a finalist in the Gilder Lehrman History Scholars Program. She participated in a weeklong program focusing on the abolition of the international slave trade in New York. The program included lectures by leading American history scholars, visits to historical sites (including an African burial ground) and discussions on careers for history majors.

The Highlands School will hold an open house at 7 p.m. Thursday for parents and prospective students entering kindergarten through eighth grade. The Highlands School serves children with learning differences, teaching them the skills and strategies they need to succeed. The open house will include a slide presentation, question-and-answer period, and tour. The school is at 2409 Creswell Road (Route 543), Bel Air. Information: 410-836-1415. Cecil College to hold wine event The Cecil College Foundation will hold "Collegium de Vinum" during its black tie wine auction and dinner gala at 6 p.m. May 3 at the Chesapeake Inn in Chesapeake City.

Extreme Family Outreach will celebrate the grand opening of the SCUBE DO Children's Center at 6 p.m. Thursday at 1812 H. Pulaski Highway, Edgewood. A ribbon cutting will be held at 6 p.m., followed by refreshments. The Extreme Family Outreach's SCUBE DO kids will perform and a Powerpoint presentation will offer the center's vision and direction for 2008. Reservations are requested by tomorrow. Information: 410-688-3021. Ceramics exhibit at Cecil College Cecil College will open Perpetual State of Mind, an exhibit by Tom Hitner, with a reception at 6 p.m. Friday in the Gallery in the Milburn Stone Theatre, North East campus.

Harford County public schools will dismiss elementary school students at 1 p.m. Wednesday for teachers planning time. All schools will be closed Thursday and Friday for teacher staff development days. Schools will be closed Jan. 21 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Information: 410-588-5203. Highlands School to hold open house The Highlands School will hold an open house from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday for parents and prospective students entering kindergarten to eighth grade.

Student rep sought for disability board The Harford County Commission on Disabilities is seeking a high school student with a disability who is interested in serving as the commission's student representative for the 2008-2009 school year. Student commission members have an opportunity to develop leadership skills and offer input on issues important to youths with disabilities, as well as learn about the disability rights movement and help coordinate and attend special events. Commission members are nominated by the county executive, with approval of the County Council.

The Harford County public schools and the Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee will hold a forum on special education Tuesday at the Center for Educational Opportunity in Aberdeen. A light supper and networking time will begin at 6 p.m., followed by roundtable discussions at 7 p.m. Topics will include services for the deaf, learning disabilities, successful inclusion and early intervention. Resource tables including assistive technology, Partners for Success and the ABILITIES Network will be available.

Harford Friends School will hold an open house from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. today at the Highlands Common Building, 708 Highland Road, Street. Visitors can tour the new facility, learn about plans for next year's Lower School program, meet the teachers and current families, and find out about the school's philosophy. The school incorporates an elementary school program based on state curricula, with Quaker values and a hands-on approach to learning. The school will hold admissions testing from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for grades one and two and six, seven and eight, and from noon to 2 p.m. for grades three, four and five on Feb. 9, March 15 and April 26. Appointments are required for testing.