The South Hall Student Council donated $1,000 to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Members of the student council sponsored a school-wide dance and a Valentine's Day flower sale. Proceeds from these annual fundraisers help support the school and other charities.

Rachel Glazer recently won first place in a statewide essay competition. The topic was "Today's Choices Affect My Future." She was awarded a $650 scholarship. The essay now proceeds to judging at the international level, with the winner receiving a $2,500 scholarship. Glazer is an eighth-grader at North Hall Middle School and the daughter of Arthur and Teressa Glazer.

The following area students were recently named to the dean's list at Mercer University for the fall 2007 semester: Elizabeth Destefano of Flowery Branch, and Tan Dat Nguyen, Chad Spencer Defoor, David McClees Gram and James Milton Wright, all of Gainesville.
Megan Regina Ganyard of Gainesville was recently named to the president's list.

Berry College in Rome recently awarded students at its annual honors night celebration. The following local students were recognized:
Lydia Fields received the Martha Berry Outstanding Undergraduate Achievement Award. The award is based on academic achievement, student work record and participation in volunteer and religious organizations. Fields is the daughter of Bruce and Nancy Fields of Gainesville.
Gregory Shivers received the Rome Music Lovers Club Award. Shivers is the son of Richard and Susan Shivers of Buford.

The following students have been selected for membership in the National Society of High School Scholars: Kelsey Neukum and Bridget Neukum, both students at Chestatee High School. To be invited, students must achieve superior academic excellence.