Names of Note: Modesto High, Hickman Charter shine in science. Food pantry gets boost
Teams from Modesto High School and Hickman Charter School topped the 34th annual Stanislaus County Science Olympiad on March 7.
They and six runners-up will compete in the Northern California finals, set for April 18 at California State University, Stanislaus.
The competition tests knowledge of biology, earth science, chemistry, physics and related topics. Some of it involves devices that students build in advance, such as the Gravity Vehicle, powered only by this force of nature.
The county event took place at the Modesto Junior College West Campus. Modesto High won the high school division, followed by Turlock, Enochs and Beyer. Hickman Charter was the top middle school, followed by La Loma Team Green, Ustach and La Loma Team Platinum.
More than 550 students from 32 schools took part in the Olympiad. It was sponsored by the Stanislaus County Office of Education, Modesto Junior College, the Education Foundation of Stanislaus County and the Mother Lode Mineral Society.
More help for the hungry
A group of honey producers donated $1,600 for the Little Free Pantry in west Modesto. It is a cupboard-like space for non-perishable food that people in need can pick up anonymously.
The pantry was installed last year with help from Hughson beekeeper Matt Beekman, a member of the Sioux Honey Association Co-op. It markets under the Sue Bee and Aunt Sue’s labels.
On Tuesday, March 10, the cooperative announced the $1,600 donation to help keep the pantry stocked. It sits outside the Family Resource Drop-In Center operated by Sierra Vista Child and Family Services, on the 100 block of G Street.
Donors can drop off food along with small items such as socks, gloves, toothpaste and deodorant.
And finally ...
Community Hospice announced a new executive and a new board member.
Lenny Verser Jr. has taken over as chief financial officer at the Modesto-based nonprofit. He most recently held the same position at Therapeutic Solutions in Chico.
The new board member is Eugene “Gino” Patrizio, chief executive officer at Memorial Medical Center in Modesto.
Names of Note recognizes people and organizations for their contribution to their communities. Submit items to jholland@modbee.com.
