Student Government Association

Anti-abortion activists at the Johns Hopkins University who had fought to form an official club have been fully recognized, clearing the way for them to use the institution's logo and raise cash on campus. The university announced Wednesday that an earlier decision by the Student Government Association to block the group, Voice for Life, was reversed by a panel of student judges. The issue has set off a storm of debate over free speech and whether anti-abortion "sidewalk counseling" constitutes harassment at the private university.

Recently, our president at Towson University, Maravene Loeschke, has endured great scrutiny for her decision to discontinue the men's soccer and baseball teams. The most vocal of critics has been Comptroller Peter Franchot, who called for her resignation last week ("Franchot calls on president of Towson University to resign," April 18). As the Student Government Association president, I wish to express how happy I am that President Loeschke has stated that she will not resign and will continue to serve this campus and its students.

Stephanie Linton of Mount Airy has been selected to attend the National Young Leaders Conference tomorrow through Sunday in Washington.The conference is a leadership development program for high school students who have demonstrated scholastic merit.The theme will be "The Leaders of Tomorrow Meeting the Leaders of Today." Students will meet with leaders from the three branches of government, the media and diplomatic corps.Stephanie will meet with local representatives to discuss issues of importance to Eldersburg and surrounding areas.

Anti-abortion activists at the Johns Hopkins University who had fought to form an official club have been fully recognized, clearing the way for them to use the institution's logo and raise cash on campus. The university announced Wednesday that an earlier decision by the Student Government Association to block the group, Voice for Life, was reversed by a panel of student judges. The issue has set off a storm of debate over free speech and whether anti-abortion "sidewalk counseling" constitutes harassment at the private university.

The Mediation and Conflict Resolution Center at Howard Community College has received a grant of $27,000 from the Maryland Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office. The center plans to use the grant to create a free Campus Community Mediation Program for students and employees. The program is to work closely with potential referral sources on campus, such as the counseling and wellness centers, the offices of human resources and student support services, and the student government association.

The Student Government Association and the National Honor Society at Mount Hebron High School distributed food, toiletries and gifts to 113 needy Howard County families this holiday season. The students raised more than $10,000 and collected 54,500 cans of food in the school and community. The money was used to purchase $7,500 worth of food and $3,000 worth of soap, toilet paper and other items to be distributed with gifts purchased by members of the National Honor Society.

25 years ago (weeks of Feb. 13-19, 1972):The Student Government Association of Atholton High School nominated a 19-year-old alumnus of the school for a position of the Board of Education. The nominee, Michael Gisriel, felt that the board needed a member "who could relate to the students."50 years ago (week of Feb. 9-15, 1947):An examination to fill the position of fourth class postmaster at Simpsonville was announced. The salary for the position was $1,080 per year. Applicants were required to be "at least 21 years of age but not yet 65."

Student organizations and staff members at Archbishop Spalding High School will create a winter wonderland for 100 needy children in their cafeteria on Sunday.The event will feature holiday treats, games, gifts, entertainment and a visit from Santa and his elves.The school's Student Government Association donated $100, Students Against Drunk Driving donated $200, and the Key Club added school supplies valued at $250.Linda and Joe Mrockowski, supervisors of the maintenance department, pitched in $100, the band supplied hats and gloves for the children, Spalding senior Leo Zerhusen donated 24 sets of baseball cards, and the cheerleaders and wrestling team have provided treats and will help serve at the party.

Dave Smedick, North Carroll SPORT LACROSSE BOYS STATS -- A midfielder who occasionally becomes his team's fifth attackman, Smedick had five goals and two assists through Monday. The senior does most of his damage for the Panthers in ways that don't show up in the box scores. SIDELINES -- A first-team All-County defender in soccer his junior year, Smedick tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee at a summer tournament and was recently cleared to play. He had a lot of other activities to keep him occupied.

Rahman HarrisonCentennial High SchoolHometown: ColumbiaAge: 17His accomplishments: He serves as Student Government Association president and as a Maryland Association of Student Council voting delegate.He's one of the school's peer mediators and part of its Cultural Awareness Club and its Operation DARE program. He has been a member of the freshman and sophomore class boards and was active on several homecoming committees. He sings in concert choir and madrigals. He runs indoor track and plays varsity tennis.

State Sen. Joe Getty (R-Dist. 5) was recently honored by the Carroll County Student Government Association with its 2012 Friend of the CCSGA award. "Senator Getty was phenomenal last year in his dedication to helping the students," said Angela Bladen, a 2012 graduate of Francis Scott Key High School who served as the student representative to the county Board of Education during the 2011-2012 school year. During the 2012 legislative session of the General Assembly, the student government association initiated a legislative proposal that would make the current practice by which a student representative serves on the Carroll County Board of Education a requirement under state law. The Carroll County Senate Delegation introduced the proposal as Senate Bill 660. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 47-0 but died in the House of Delegates.

Persistent budget cuts have created turmoil at the University of Maryland, College Park this past fall, prompting a student demonstration over the removal of one administrator, complaints about a lack of clear explanations from the provost and a sense of dread among faculty who say they're asked to do more with less. The state university system has cut more than $100 million from its 2010 budget in response to shortfalls in the state budget. As the system's largest campus, College Park has taken the biggest hits and will have to cut about $48 million by the end of the fiscal year in June.

The Mediation and Conflict Resolution Center at Howard Community College has received a grant of $27,000 from the Maryland Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office. The center plans to use the grant to create a free Campus Community Mediation Program for students and employees. The program is to work closely with potential referral sources on campus, such as the counseling and wellness centers, the offices of human resources and student support services, and the student government association.

Dave Smedick, North Carroll SPORT LACROSSE BOYS STATS -- A midfielder who occasionally becomes his team's fifth attackman, Smedick had five goals and two assists through Monday. The senior does most of his damage for the Panthers in ways that don't show up in the box scores. SIDELINES -- A first-team All-County defender in soccer his junior year, Smedick tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee at a summer tournament and was recently cleared to play. He had a lot of other activities to keep him occupied.

The Student Government Association and the National Honor Society at Mount Hebron High School distributed food, toiletries and gifts to 113 needy Howard County families this holiday season. The students raised more than $10,000 and collected 54,500 cans of food in the school and community. The money was used to purchase $7,500 worth of food and $3,000 worth of soap, toilet paper and other items to be distributed with gifts purchased by members of the National Honor Society.

Gov. Parris N. Glendening appointed two new members to the Baltimore County Board of Education, including a student, and reappointed a third to the 12-member body yesterday. Warren C. Hayman, who has served on the board since 1997, was named to a five-year term. Hayman is an assistant dean of the School of Education and Urban Studies at Morgan State University, and holds degrees from Coppin State, Stanford and Harvard universities. Thomas C. Grzymski, director of the Office of Information Technology Architecture for the Social Security Administration, also was appointed to a five-year term.

South Carroll High School seniors Dana Prekup and Peter Hamlington were recently named students of the month by the school's Student Recognition Committee. Dana is a 4.0 grade point average student, vice president of the National Honor Society and president of the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America. She also is a class representative and member of the Student Government Association. She has won numerous scholar awards. The daughter of Marilyn and Dan Prekup of Mount Airy, she plans to attend Virginia Tech and study interior design.

School officials say the site of an accident Friday involving three Centennial High School juniors has long been a source of concern to parents and school administrators.The school has been documenting the number of accidents that have occurred on the portion of Centennial Lane outside the school, a busy road with poor visibility in sections."It's become an increasingly dangerous place," said Patti P. Vierkant, spokesman for the public school system. She said there have been "several" accidents at the intersection.

South Carroll High School seniors Dana Prekup and Peter Hamlington were recently named students of the month by the school's Student Recognition Committee. Dana is a 4.0 grade point average student, vice president of the National Honor Society and president of the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America. She also is a class representative and member of the Student Government Association. She has won numerous scholar awards. The daughter of Marilyn and Dan Prekup of Mount Airy, she plans to attend Virginia Tech and study interior design.