Whether Jew or gentile, man or woman, rich or poor - it is according to deeds that God's presence descends.

- from Midrash Seder Eliyahu Rabbah 8

That phrase is part of the foundation of Jewish traditional teaching. And for 38 years, the American Jewish Committee, the nation's pioneer human relations organization, has used that concept to honor students who exhibit qualities of caring, kindness and generosity.

Menzies

Becker

This year, 70 seniors and juniors from 46 high schools were cited for their outstanding volunteerism.

All nominees received a certificate in a ceremony Wednesday night at the Temple Sholom, on Longmeadow Lane in Amberley Village.

Each person who nominated a student received a book for the school library.

Senior class winner was Jennifer Menzies of Seven Hills School, Madisonville. Junior class winner was Tara Becker, Ursuline Academy, Blue Ash.

Other finalists from the junior class were: Lauren Herlihy, Lakota East High School; Amy Michels, McAuley; Allison Schottenstein, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy; and Debbie Warshawsky, Wyoming.

Senior class finalists were: Erin Budzn, McAuley; Nicole Chambers, Purcell Marian; Gary Helton, Roger Bacon; and Sara Thomas, Lakota East.

The Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Greater Cincinnati fired up its programs with an open house and silent auction Tuesday at its office, 3770 Reading Road, Avondale.

Rochelle Morton, director of youth and development for the Urban League of Greater Cincinnati, is serving as interim director for the sickle cell group.

"We are trying to reintroduce the agency to the community since we have had a slowdown recently," Morton said.

Special guests at the event included Cheryl Jones, sickle cell coordinator for the Ohio Department of Health, and Dr. Clinton Joiner of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

Anthony Thomas, health educator for the sickle cell group, said it will be making the public aware of the disease and trying to empower those with the disease to help themselves.

"We will be giving lectures in schools, and with community groups to bring the awareness to the public," he said.

Sickle cell is a blood disorder that affects mostly African-Americans.

A spring fund-raiser for Women Helping Women is set from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 8 at the Academy of Medicine of Cincinnati, 322 Broadway Ave., downtown.

The agency provides crisis intervention and support to victims of sexual, assault, domestic violence and stalking

For more information, call 977-5541 extension 328.

E-mail ahoward@enquirer.com