The Northeast Georgia Council’s Etowah District of the Boy Scouts of America just completed a six-week Bible study program from the God and Country series provided by P.R.A.Y., Programs for Religious Activities for Youth, and First Baptist Church of Cumming. The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make good choices, guided by the scout oath and scout law. The God and Country program, as promoted by the Boy Scouts, helps further this mission. P.R.A.Y. is a nonprofit organization whose national board of directors includes representatives from Protestant and Independent Christian Churches and the national youth agencies, including Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts USA, Camp Fire USA and American Heritage Girls. P.R.A.Y. programs and resources are offered through churches and youth agencies for them to work together for the benefit of youth. An Adult Mentor program is also offered to strengthen parents’ relationships with their children and God.
A group of 10 women from the Gainesville High School class of 1962 recently gathered to celebrate and reconnect with old friends. The group, including five former cheerleaders and two majorettes, put together a memory book of things they did together from kindergarten through graduation. They hope to have a similar get together in the fall at The Brazier, their hangout from 1958-1962, and attend a Gainesville High football game.
The Hall County chapter of Georgia Right to Life sponsored an oratory and writing contest on March 6 for Hall County juniors and seniors. Caleb Purcell, a junior at Westminster Christian School, won with an essay on stem cell research. He goes on to compete in the state contest May 17 in Lawrenceville.
James W. DeLoach, formerly of Gainesville, recently was promoted to lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force. He is the son of Nancye DeLoach of Nashville, Tenn., and the late Denis C. DeLoach.
Army National Guard Pfc. Andrew M. Keeler has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Knox, Ky. He is the son of Denise Keeler of Jefferson.
Derek Rich was recently named to the Big East All-Academic Team. Rich was one of five players from the University of Connecticut football team to receive this honor. To qualify, the student athlete must be a letterwinner for the 2007 season, boast a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.0 and have completed at least two semesters of full-time academic work at the school. Rich is the son of Benny and Kathleen Rich and a graduate of North Hall High School.
Army National Guard Pfc. Elton B. Price has graduated from the Infantryman One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning in Columbus. The training consists of Basic Infantry Training and Advanced Individual Training. He is the son of Martin Rosenthal of Gainesville.
Army National Guard Pfc. John D. Martin has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning in Columbus. He is the son of John Martin of Dawsonville. Martin is a 2005 graduate of North Forsyth High School in Cumming.
Army Pfc. Thomas O. Ramirez has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. He is the son of Christina Carmona of Cleveland.