ACHIEVEMENTS.

Byline: The Register-Guard

North Eugene High students place first in economic challenge

A team of students from North Eugene High School shared first-place honors as Oregon State Division Winners in the 2005 National Economics Challenge, sponsored by the Goldman Sachs Foundation and the National Council on Economic Education.

The college-bowl-like competition blends the excitement of an athletic event with the pursuit of academic excellence, testing students' knowledge of complex economic concepts and theories.

Competing against 18 teams from six other schools, North Eugene's team won in the David Ricardo Division for single-semester students. Team members were Chris Barton, Vittal Patel, Aaron Minister and Garrett Stewart; they were advised by teacher Bill Temple. North Eugene placed second in the past two years. Westview High School won in the Adam Smith Division for Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and honors students. The state winners now proceed - with travel expenses covered - to the Western Regional Economics Challenge in San Francisco, to be held April 22.

Central Lane County Junior Miss Program winners selected

Megan Corey of Sheldon High School and Tricia Buzzard of South Eugene High School took top honors in the 15th annual Central Lane County Junior Miss Program, held earlier this month at Willamette High School. Both won $1,000 scholarships and a chance to represent Lane County in the State Junior Miss Program in August. The program, with a theme of "Take Me There!", attracted 29 competitors from eight area high schools. Participants are judged on scholastics, interview skills, talent, fitness and self-expression. Other scholarship recipients were Alex Dukes of Springfield High School, first alternate, $500; and Mirisha Goodrich of Springfield High, Spirit of Junior Miss, $200. Buzzard also received $500 as Scholastic Achievement Winner. Corey, Dukes and Crisanne Costin and Bria Light of Springfield High also received Scholastic Recognition. Program coordinator Vickie Cussins was honored for 20 years of service with the program.

Emerald Empire Kiwanis Club to recognize outstanding youth

The Emerald Empire Kiwanis Club of Eugene will recognize outstanding youth from seven local high schools at a special meeting April 28. They are Tom Matney of Sheldon High School, Elona Gormley of South Eugene High School, Kris Nelson of Churchill High School. Anthony Saraceno of Marist High School, Molly Graham of North Eugene High School, McKenzie Jones of Willamette High School and Katyna Tran of Springfield High School. The recipients were chosen for their leadership work in the school and community. Each will receive an award certificate and a $500 check.

Two local students win Weyerhaeuser Co. scholarships for families

Two local students were among 65 children of Weyerhaeuser Co. employees worldwide to be awarded scholarships from the Weyerhaeuser Co. Foundation. Both seniors, they are Kelly Hopper of Pleasant Hill High School and Leanne Leighton of Springfield High School. They were selected according to merit on the basis of test scores, leadership qualities and participation in school and community activities. Awards range from $1,000 to $4,000 a year.

Cottage Grove students honored by Bohemia Sunrisers Kiwanis Club

Bohemia Sunrisers Kiwanis Club of Cottage Grove has named Sara Koepfle and Zach Velkinburg as students of the month for March. Both maintain high GPAs and are involved in numerous school and community activities.