Portersville Christian School participated in the Association of Christian Schools International Math Olympics. The following pupils earned special recognition:

Third-graders Alex Slater, second place in Reasoning, and Grayson Vouga, third place in Computation; fourth-graders Jenna Santoro, third place in Computation, and Ben McDonald, third place in Computation; fifth-grader Hannah Dunmire, first place in Computation; seventh-graders Ashley Hoban, first place in Computation, and Michelle Slater, second place in Reasoning; eighth-graders Jacob Ziegler, first place in Computation, Sarah Slater, first place in Reasoning, and Tyler Harbison, third place in Reasoning.

North Allegheny students participated in the 68th annual Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engineering Fair in March.

First place winners included: Cliff Kim, 11th grade, senior high, Chemistry Senior Division; Richard Gayler, eighth grade, Ingomar Middle, Physics Intermediate Division; Margaret Gunn, sixth grade, Ingomar Middle, Life Science Junior Division; and Amanda Rogus, sixth grade, Carson Middle, Consumer Science Junior Division.

Shivam Verma, ninth grade, North Allegheny Intermediate, won second place in the Biology Senior Division.

Ria Mulherkar, sixth grade, Ingomar Middle, won third place in the Physical Science Junior Division.

Middle school competitors achieving first, second or third place in the category awards have qualified to compete at the Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge in Washington, DC., this year.

Cliff Kim was one of only three high school students chosen to compete at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair at Albuquerque, NM, this month. He also received the Carnegie Science Center Award of Excellence-Senior Division, the Associate Scientist trophy and a $2,000 scholarship from the University of Pittsburgh.

Jonathan Lin, a 10th-grader participating through North Allegheny Senior High, won a $2,000 Geneva College Scholarship.

Richard Gayler also won the Junior Scientist trophy and the Scientific American award.

Margaret Gunn also received the Scientific American award and a Carnegie Mellon Award of Excellence.

Seneca Valley students recently came away with 13 of nearly 30 awards presented for the annual High School Art Exhibit by the Associated Artists of Butler County. The show ran April 27 through Friday.

Prizes included the top award, Best of Show, to senior Dave Rocco for "And I was Looking for You;" and a second place for his painting, "An Unearthly Paradox."

Junior Kelly Eisel won a third-place award for her painting, "Self-Portrait with Green Eyes."

Senior Marin Ryan received honorable mention for her painting, "Mud Painting 101."

Brannon Wellington, a senior, won first place for his drawing, "Mr. Nagle."

Alyssa Clifford, a junior, won a first-place award for her mixed media piece, "Stricken Neighbor" and an honorable mention for her drawing, "Crimson & Darkness."

Senior Melinda Rudish won a third-place award for her mixed media art, "Cryptozoology: Dragon."

Carey Bailey, a senior, won an honorable mention for her mixed media work, "Friendly Equine."

Rachel Leahy, a junior, also received honorable mention for her mixed media piece, "The Wonderful World of Eeyore."

Junior Chelsea Hartle won a first-place award for her craft work, "Artists Book -- Portrait of the Sea."

Senior Sean Nelson won a first place award for his ceramic art work, "Lobster Hat."

Addison Funk, sophomore, won an honorable mention for his sculpture, "7 Plys of Love."

Judging was based on color, composition, creativity, presentation, workmanship and complexity/skill.

Mars Area Senior High School junior Gabrielle Plesniak has qualified for the Catholic Forensics League National Competition to be held during Memorial Day weekend in Houston, Texas.

Gabrielle, a member of the high school's forensics team placed third in the Original Oratory qualifier, held at Peter Township High School in March. This is the second consecutive year that Gabrielle has qualified for the national competition.