The squad recently won its first national title in the JAMFest at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, beating out Centerville, Edgewood and Hamilton.

"It was really exciting,'' said coach Alisa Cooper. "They could hardly get us off the stage. We are hoping we can double up on that title when we go to Florida''

Volunteer gets key to city

Cincinnati Mayor Charlie Luken gave a key to the city to Betty Gazaway Wednesday, praising the 69-year-old Winton Hills activist for her commitment to environmental, health and community causes.

"She's quite an accomplished woman, and if we had a few hundred of her in this city we wouldn't have any problems at all," Luken said.

Luken's recitation of Gazaway's accomplishments took up a good part of Wednesday's council meeting, but here are the highlights: She helped start the Winton Hills Seniors in Action, organized the Great American Clean-up, worked on a regional sustainability study for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cincinnati, serves as president of the Findlater Gardens Residents Council and volunteers with the Ujima festival.

"This is absolutely wonderful,'' said Gazaway, who is busy now pushing a program to get computers for seniors. "You know we are citizens, too, and we need to know about computers. I feel great getting recognition for my work on environmental issues. Out here, you have to be environmentally conscious because of all the problems we have with pollution."

Grant to assist seniors

A $10,000 grant to Pro Seniors will be used to help resolve legal and long-term problems for seniors, said Rhonda Y. Moore, executive director of the group

The grant came from the Jacob G. Schmidlapp Trusts, Fifth Third Bank, trustee.

Alzheimer's fund-raiser

John Toebben, president of Toebben Builders & Developers, will conduct a benefit tour of his new home in Villa Hills next month to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Cincinnati. The tour will be from noon to 6 p.m. April 3 and 4. Admission is $15.

"The Alzheimer's Association has been very supportive of my family, and their program staff has helped us cope with a very difficult situation,'' Toebben said.

For more information, contact the Alzheimer's Association at (513) 721-4284.

Positively kids: Trip to study medicine

Richard DeVito was selected to participate in the National Youth Leadership Forum International Mission on Medicine in Australia. He joined other college and university students interested in medical careers for the 11-day educational and cultural experience.

The group witnessed medicine practiced at Sydney-area hospitals and research facilities in Melbourne and learned about treatment for medical conditions faced by the Aboriginal population.

The son of Cheryl and William DeVito Jr. of Batavia is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and a sophomore at the University of Cincinnati Clermont College.

Princeton music students

Three students from Princeton High School have earned membership in the Ohio All-State Music Ensemble. They performed at the Ohio Music Education Association State Conference in Columbus.

The students are sophomore Jeff Taylor, oboe; senior Antoine Brown, choir; and junior Eric Schaefer, bass.

Global studies at sea

Kathryn Byerly is taking part in the Semester at Sea program sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh. The global studies program takes students on a 100-day voyage around the world aboard the S.S. Universe Explorer, which is equipped to function as a floating university.

The daughter of Diane and Jim Byerly of Monroe Township attends Ohio University.

To submit an item, please call 755-4165.