When Ryan Fernandez completed his project to become an Eagle Scout, he was surprised at how valuable a little help was to his local community.

"It (the project) changed my thoughts a lot on how much the community could use you," Fernandez said.

Scout Troop 923 collected items for the Animal Adoption Foundation in Ross. Participating were Sam Fernandez (front row from left), Alex Meyer, Matt Dameron and David Grenier; and Nick Mehringer (back row from left), Ryan Fernandez and Trey Foster Provided photo

Fernandez, 15, spent more than 100 hours organizing a supply drive for his local Animal Adoption Foundation in Ross. After spending more than 10 hours organizing the drive, Fernandez said he and friends sent e-mails and passed out nearly 500 fliers to local neighborhoods in early July to promote the drive.

On July 9-10, Fernandez, fellow Scouts and friends set up booths outside pet stores to collect supplies for the shelter and ended up gathering more than 30 gallons of dog treats, nearly 750 pounds of cat litter, 780 garbage bags and more than 40 gallons of bleach.

The animal foundation said the donation was the largest in its history.

Fernandez, who is part of Scout Troop 923, said it felt good to help out his community.

"I think it's really important for them (Scouts) to do this because it helps out the community a lot," Fernandez said.

Outstanding educator

Sue Magness, education specialist for the Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services, Solid Waste Management District, has been named an "Outstanding Educator" by the Ohio Project Learning Tree.

Nominees for the award are ranked by several criteria., including a commitment to environmental education and natural resources.

Project Learning Tree is an award-winning environmental education program for educators and students in prekindergarten through Grade 12. The program of the American Forest Foundation is one of the most widely used environmental education projects in the United States and abroad.

Golf scholarship tournament

The Beta Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity is sponsoring its 16th annual amateur golf scholarship tournament at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Beckett Ridge Country Club in West Chester.

The tax-deductible entry fee of $125 includes green fees, cart, meal and prizes.

The tournament provides scholarships to Greater Cincinnati high school graduates. The nonprofit community service organization has awarded more than $20,000 in scholarships over the past four years.

For information, contact Warren Isaac Reid at (513) 708-7813 or www.cincinnatiques.org.

ROTC scholarships

These cadets have been awarded Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps college scholarships based on comprehensive test scores, high school scholastic achievement, school officials' evaluations, extracurricular activities and community involvement:

Gregory Bieler, a Sycamore High School graduate and the son of Kathy and Jeffrey Bieler of Symmes Township; Michael Craig, an Oak Hills High School graduate and the son of Ruth and Jon Craig of Delhi Township; and Donald Dickinson, the son of Joy and Donald Dickinson Jr. of White Oak.

The scholarships include tuition, books, lab and incidental fees and a monthly stipend during the school year.

Upon graduating from college and completing the ROTC program, the cadets will be commissioned as second lieutenants in the Air Force.

Combat Infantry Badge

Army Staff Sgt. James Cannon has been decorated with the Army Commendation Medal and Combat Infantry Badge for supporting the mission of Operation Iraqi Freedom and participating in Operation Northern Delay in Iraq. He is a scout team leader with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vicenza, Italy.

The Turpin High School graduate is the son of Tina and James Cannon of Kennedy Heights.

Basic training completed

These airmen have graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas:

Brandon Mack, Mason High School graduate and son of Connie Taylor of Mason and Timothy Mack of Atlanta; Eric Wilfong, Hughes Center High School graduate and son of Kellie Wilfong of Bond Hill; Ryan Combes, Northwest High School graduate and son of Cheri Welland of Colerain Township and Robert Combes of Fairfield; Heather Boling, Loveland High School graduate and daughter of Jackie Boling of Mason; Joshua Glisson, son of Jerry Glisson of Norwood; Kimberly Henninger, North College Hill High School graduate and daughter of Mary Ann and Richard Henninger of North College Hill; Joseph Ashley, Norwood High School graduate and son of Monica and Joseph Ashley of Norwood; Philip Pamer, Turpin High School graduate and son of Mindy Pamer of Union Township, Clermont County; and Adam Kastner, Elder High School graduate and son of Sharon and Dave Kastner of Miami Township.

To submit an item: 755-4165.

Contributor: Ari Bloomekatz