Mary Queen of Heaven School: Zhoa Zhong Yun of the Heaven Creation Acrobats, balances on a board as he flips four bowls off the board and catches them on his head during a performance at Mary Queen of Heaven School, Erlanger. The Beijing, China-based troupe is touring the Midwest. (Patrick Reddy photo)

MILFORD - Steve Heck won't be going to space after all.

The retired Air Force pilot, who teaches science and social studies at Milford's Meadowview Elementary, recently learned he did not qualify for the latest round of interviews in the NASA Educator Astronaut Program. He was nominated for the program last year.

Heck, 51, of Miami Township, said he has since been invited by the John H. Glenn Research Center in Cleveland to continue his involvement in NASA educational programs.

Heck said he definitely plans to continue his commitment to space exploration education - if not as a teacher in space, then as a teacher who gives students hands-on applications in math, science and technology.

Purcell Marian to induct athletes

EAST WALNUT HILLS - Purcell Marian High School will host the 13th annual Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremonies Monday in the school's Alumni Hall, 2935 Hackberry St.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for a social followed by a buffet dinner and 7:30 p.m. awards ceremony. Guest speakers include Jim Hermann, defensive coordinator at University of Michigan.

This year's inductees are Tom Kiehfuss (class of 1961), Cliff Pope (class of '88), Russ Witherby (class of '80), Dick Beerman (class of '56) and coach Terry Meinking. Tickets, $30, can be purchased by calling 487-3120 or 751-1230.

Workshop addresses special needs plans

MOUNT HEALTHY - A two-hour workshop for Hamilton County families that focuses on developing individual education plans for special needs students begins 7 p.m. Thursday at the Duvall Center, 1411 Compton Road.

The workshop will help parents connect their child's plan with Ohio's Academic Content Standards. It is sponsored by the Southwestern Ohio Special Education Regional Resource Center.

It will be repeated 7-9 p.m. March 16 at Lakota East High School, 6840 Lakota Lane, and at Wildey School, 2040 U.S. 50.

To register, call Lee Ketcham, 563-0045, ext. 19.

Mason High presents 'J.B.' play at theater

MASON - The Pulitzer Prize-winning play J.B., a modern-day retelling of the Old Testament Book of Job, will be presented this weekend by the Mason High School Theater Department.

Performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday at the high school, 6100 Mason-Montgomery Road.

Tickets are $8, $6 for children and senior citizens. Information: 229-4070.

Hilltop students learn to represent elements

READING - Hilltop sixth-graders recently formed a human chain to represent the elements.

Each student randomly picked an element from the Periodic Table of Elements. They made a T-shirt with the atomic information on the front and a diagram of protons, neutrons and electrons on the back. Students then gathered to form a human version of the chart on the gymnasium bleachers.

The exercise, which taught them what happens during chemical changes, included material the students could be asked about on the spring proficiency tests.

Moyer students find Pennies for Patients

FORT THOMAS - Students at Moyer Elementary School have until Thursday to turn in change for the Pennies for Patients program that supports research to find a cure for leukemia and lymphoma.

Sponsored by the school's Student Council, the two-week drive honors a former Moyer student who was recently diagnosed with leukemia.

Various activities are planned to raise money including the sale of "Penny Posters" with their names on them to be hung in the hallway, and "Hat Day," in which each student who donates 50 cents or more earns the right to wear a hat to school.

Greener to have Valentine dinner

MOUNT HEALTHY - Greener Elementary School will host a Skyline Valentine dinner 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday at the school, 2400 Adams Road. Cost is $4. Raffle tickets can be purchased for $1. Prizes totaling $1,000 will be awarded.

'Twelve Angry Men' at Anderson High

ANDERSON TWP. - Twelve Angry Men will be presented 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday at Anderson High School, 7560 Forest Road. For tickets, $6, call 232-9421.

Sue Kiesewetter

E-mail school news to suek@infionline.net or fax to 755-4150.