Thumbs up to Creek Bridge High for earning recognition

Thumbs up to Creek Bridge High School in Marion County. The National Network of Partnership Schools from Johns Hopkins University recently recognized the school as a “School of Promising Practice.” The organization’s yearly publication, Promising Partnership Practices, includes more than 100 activities from schools across the country. Creek Bridge High School’s Reading Counts Book Review Celebration was selected for inclusion in the 2008 edition of the nationally recognized publication. The Reading Counts Celebration, which was held during the spring semester last school year, highlighted the accomplishments of the school’s top readers. Students who earned 100 points or more in the school’s Reading Counts program produced video reports on their favorite books. The videos debuted during the Book Celebration and also were featured on the school Web site. The publication’s full article may be viewed at the organization’s Web site, www.partnershipschools.org, in the Promising Partnership Practices 2008 publication under “literacy.”

Thumbs up to Erin Lasiter of Florence for the way she celebrated her eighth birthday. On Sept. 21, Erin had a birthday party at Young Chefs Academy in Florence during which she asked that donations to the Florence Area Humane Society animal shelter be made in lieu of gifts. Two large containers were filled to the brim with food, toys and treats for the animals. The children at the party also made dog biscuits from scratch and individually packaged them with a personalized gift tag to donate to the shelter, as well. “It was great to see such a young child with such a big heart,” Kelli Grice, owner of Young Chefs Academy, said. “The animals will enjoy their special treats because of her special day.” The humane society shelter is located at 1007 Stockade Drive, off National Cemetery Road, in Florence and is open from noon to 5 p.m. every day except Wednesday and Sunday. It always is in need of donations and volunteers, as well as people who are willing to adopt an animal and provide it with loving care. For details on how to help, call (843) 669-2921.

Thumbs up to the Marion Police Department for stepping up patrols in the wake of recent crimes and concern from city residents. Nearly two weeks ago, the department began a new enforcement program to reduce drug and gang activity. Marion Police Capt. Jim Gray said the majority of people committing drug and gang crimes in Marion are from other areas. Regardless, he said, Marion police and undercover agents are looking for any suspicious behavior in high-crime areas. While many officers are having to work extra hours on the nights and weekends during the increased patrols, Gray said he’s confident their efforts will pay off. We agree, and encourage residents in all parts of the Pee Dee to participate in their local neighborhood watch program. If one doesn’t exist in your community, start one. Visit the National Crime Prevention Council’s Web page at www.ncpc.org/topics/neighborhood-watch to find out how to get involved. Remember, community safety can’t be accomplished by law enforcement officers alone. Do your part to help stop crime before it happens.