Education Extra Achievements.

Byline: The Register-Guard

JUNIOR MISS: Kate Palmen, a junior at Churchill High School, was named Central Lane County Junior Miss for 2003 at the 12th annual Junior Miss Program, held April 14 at Willamette High School. She earned a $1,150 college scholarship and the opportunity to represent central Lane County at the State Junior Miss Program in August. The program is designed to recognize, reward and encourage excellence. Judging categories are scholastic, interview, talent, fitness and poise. Caitlin Jones of Pleasant Hill High School was named First Alternate, and won a $750 scholarship. Julie Cooper of Junction City High School, Second Alternate, and Lindsey Fix of Marist High School, Scholastic Achievement Winner, each received $550 scholarships. Melanie Moser of Churchill was given the Spirit of Junior Miss award by fellow participants, earning her a $250 scholarship. Earning scholastic recognition were Kate Palmen, Alison Gary of South Eugene High School, Beth Smith of Thurston High School and Jessica Duggan of Sheldon High School. Twenty-four high school juniors competed.

WINNING POETS: Kristen Wolfer, an eighth-grader at Eugene Christian School, and Nathan Westlake, a senior at Pleasant Hill High School, recently received honorable mentions for their entries in an annual student poetry contest sponsored by the Oregon State Poetry Association. Wolfer's poem, "Childhood," was among 289 entries, and Westlake's poem, "The World Goes By," was among 118. Each of the contest's four age categories yielded first-, second- and third-place winners and seven honorable mentions. Both students received $5 checks, engraved ribbon medals, certificates, copies of the contest anthology of poems and the chance to read their work April 28 at the OSPA's annual Spring Poetry Festival in Portland.

ENERGIZING ESSAY: Brett Close, a senior at South Eugene High School, was one of five students from across the Northwest to win a $1,000 college scholarship from the Foundation for Water and Energy Education for his essay about the Northwest's energy future. High school students were asked to write a 2,000- to 2,500-word essay answering this question: What mix of resources will be used to meet the region's power needs in 2015? Essays will be posted at www.fwee.org.

TOP SCHOLAR: Devon Biggerstaff, a senior at South Eugene High School, has been selected to receive one of 10 Barbara Hirschi Neely Scholarships, which cover full tuition at Lewis & Clark College in Portland. The award recognizes young people of exceptional academic achievement and distinctive personal accomplishment who have been admitted to the college this fall.

YOUTH LEADER: Hala Zayani, a sophomore at Oak Hill School, recently attended the Oregon Youth Leadership, Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar in Portland. She joined 150 other young people representing their high schools. The students interacted with groups of distinguished leaders in business, government, education and other professions to discuss various issues. Participants are challenged to perform 100 hours of community service upon their return.

VIKING SCHOLARS: Two local high school juniors have been honored by Portland State University as Viking Scholars for their high grade point averages. Alexander Laakso of Springfield High School maintained a GPA of 3.83, and Jessica Flitcroft of Churchill High School kept up a 3.94. Both were invited to a reception at PSU earlier this month.