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Scholarship Goes To Best Buddies Vice President

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By BARBARA ROUTEN

Tribune correspondent

Published: June 28, 2008

VALRICO - Best Buy awarded a $1,500 scholarship to Amy Marsh, a Durant High School graduate who will enter the University of Central Florida in the fall. She is the daughter of Steven and Shari Marsh of Valrico.

"We were amazed that Amy won this national scholarship," said Shari Marsh. "She got it for her volunteering. We are very proud of her and all our girls."

Marsh, voted "best personality" in her senior class, donated more than 400 hours to Best Buddies and Special Olympics at the club, regional and state levels and served as vice president of Durant's Best Buddies club. She followed in the footsteps of her older sister, Stacie.

"In fact, she teamed up with her sister's buddy, Jessica Willhite," Shari Marsh said. "Jessica's face lights up whenever she sees either of the girls."
Best Buddies is an international initiative that pairs people with developmental disabilities with general students at middle schools, high schools and colleges.

Amy graduated in the top 3 percent of her class, with a 5.86 grade-point average, having taken four advanced placement courses and two dual-enrollment courses. She is a Hillsborough County Key Scholar and lettered in cross country and soccer.
Best Buy awarded more than $2.75 million to 1,551 students nationwide this year. Scholarships ranged from $1,500 to $10,000 per winner. Selection criteria included academics, community service or work experience and future education plans.

Taste Of 2008 Seeks Restaurants

BRANDON - The Nativity Outreach and Food Pantry will hold a Taste of 2008 from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 20 in the social hall at Nativity Catholic Church, 705 Brandon Blvd. E.

Peter Alden, an Elvis Presley impersonator, "will be back for an encore performance," said Pat LeJeune, food pantry director.

Owners or managers of restaurants, caterers and beverage stores that would like to participate may call LeJeune at (813) 707-1523.

"We are also looking for sponsors to help offset the cost of the event and door prizes valued at $50 or more," LeJeune said.

July 4 Celebration To Aid Troops

RIVERVIEW - A Fourth of July celebration at 1 p.m. at the Riverview American Legion Post 148, 7240 U.S. 301 S., will feature a pig roast, live entertainment and drawings.

Guests are asked to bring items to be sent to deployed troops, including AT&T phone cards, powdered drink mixes, protein bars, fruit cups, olive-drab T-shirts, white or black socks, men's underwear, wet wipes, antifungal powders, sprays and lotions, DVDs and AA and AAA batteries.

Also requested are pencils, crayons and clothes for the soldiers to give to Iraqi children.

The cost to attend the celebration is $6. For information, call the post at (813) 677-6529.

School, Church Hold Registration, Craft Sale

VALRICO - Horizon Christian Church's Early Learning Preschool at 1720 St. Cloud Ave. S., is accepting fall registration for children age 6 weeks to 4 years. School hours are from 8:30 a.m. to noon, with extended care from 7 to 8:15 a.m. and 12:30 to 6 p.m. Children can attend classes two, three or five days per week.

For information, call preschool director Cynthia Crawford at (813) 689-1457 or e-mail preschool@horizon christianchurch.com.

The church will host a Christmas in July Holiday Crafters Market from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 12. There will be a $2 entry fee. Items for sale will include hand-made quilts, jewelry, Red Hat Society accessories and Christmas decorations. Proceeds will benefit the ladies' ministry and its outreach work.

For information, call Paula Somers at (813) 689-1457.

Snippets

Unity in Brandon at 115 Margaret St., invites the public to its 10:30 a.m. worship service Sunday. The Rev. Roxanne Riley will be the guest speaker. For information, call (813) 263-6155.

Send news and photos of community interest to Barbara Routen at The Tampa Tribune, 505 W. Robertson St., Brandon FL 33511, e-mail neighbors@tampabay.rr .com or call (813) 657-4531.

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