They are known as fungus farmers. No doubt these quarter-inch ants intrigue kids who watch them at work at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.

The zoo has managed a leaf-cutting ant colony for 25 years and studied ant biology. Now, the zoo has won a Significant Achievement Award for its work.

"They have a very sophisticated social structure,'' says Randy Morgan, Invertebrate Conservation Program manager at the zoo.

Randy Morgan inside the insect house. (Ernest Coleman photo) | ZOOM |

The ants can be seen carrying leaves, but they don't eat them. They use them to produce a fungus garden and eat the fungus. "Both are dependent on each other for survival. The fungus needs the ant and the ant needs the fungus,'' Morgan said.

The award was given by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association.

Grant for games

About 700 children who participate in Hamilton County Special Olympics can look forward to a little more fun.

A$14,600 grant from the Cincinnati-based Cintas Corp. will help fund their winter sports, said Janet Smith, executive director of the Special Olympics.

""This money will be used for gymnastics, roller-skating, basketball, skiing and for a ski club," Smith said.

Danish students

From now through Halloween, Laura-Cecile Roenn, Aviaq Han Sook Risager, Christa Kloeve Kranich, Katrine Hansen and Julie Vulpius Gregersen of Denmark will experience American culture.

The exchange students will attend McAuley High school and live with host families.

Filling up a truck

Jim Hautman, coordinator of the Truck Full of Love Project at La Salle High school, wants you to be kind to a Lancer who asks for a donation.

The project starts Tuesday and runs through Nov. 20. The aim is to collect enough canned goods to fill a 53-ft. semi-trailer.

Last year, students at the school in Monfort Heights collected 70,000 cans of food and distributed them to charities.

ACADEMIC ALL-STARS

Law scholarship

Christopher Huerkamp of Springfield Township is the recipient of the 2003-04 Frances F. and Milton J. Schloss Sr. Corporate Law Scholarship from the University of Cincinnati.

The scholarship, awarded to one entering College of Law student based on academic merit and interest in studying corporate law, pays tuition and fees for one year and a portion in the second and third years if renewal standards are met.

The Roger Bacon High School graduate earned a bachelor's degree in business, magna cum laude, from Xavier University.

Scholar siblings

Garrett Baker, a senior majoring in business-finance/accounting at the University of Cincinnati, has been named to the spring quarter dean's list.

Jennifer Baker, a junior sociology major with a certificate in business Spanish, was also named to UC's spring dean's list.

The Taylor High School graduates are the children of Mary Ann and Dennis Baker of Miami Heights.

To submit an item, please call 755-4165.

OUR KIDS

Jeremy Collins is often referred to as a budding virtuoso. The moniker fits the 17-year-old Montgomery youth perfectly.

Jeremy is a home-schooled guitarist who has been selected to perform on the From the Top program, heard on radio station WGUC (90.9 FM) at 9 a.m. Saturdays.

He also plays the violin and composes music. He keeps an active schedule with his church, Bethel Baptist Temple, Sycamore Township, and plays in the church basketball league. He attends the College-Conservatory of Music preparatory program on a scholarship.

"He is a polite, modest kid," said his mother, Sandy Collins.

Jeremy's father, Phil Collins, is the principal trumpet player for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.