Alexandra Ogden was recognized as a National Merit semi-finalist. Alexandra is the daughter of Robert and Sandra Ogden, Northside.

McAuley's National Merit Scholars: (Back row, from left) Alexandra Ogden, Jodi Lennon, Melissa Edwards and Teresa Nichols. (Front row, from left) Teresa Pratt, Jillian Fleming and Natalie Ruhe. Provided

The following seniors were recognized as National Merit Commended Students: Melissa Edwards, daughter of Scott and Joann Edwards, Colerain Township; Jillian Fleming, daughter of James and Cynthia Fleming, Monfort Heights; Jodi Lennon, daughter of Mathew and Linda Lennon, Finneytown; Teresa Pratt, daughter of Michael and Pamela Pratt, ColerainTownship; Natalie Ruhe, daughter of Stephen and Constance Ruhe, Monfort Heights, and Teresa Nichols, daughter of David and Maryann Nichols of Finneytown.

Xavier grad volunteers

Hallam Sargeant, a 2004 Xavier University graduate with a master's degree in business administration, plans to spend two weeks in Mexico starting Nov. 1, helping to bring eye care to people who need glasses.

Sargeant is part of the LensCrafters Foundation Give the Gift of Sight mission.

"As volunteers, we are asked to work long, hard hours at the clinic. But I am sure that when I see the look on a child's or elderly person's face who can see clearly for the first time, it will definitely be worth my time and every ounce of my energy."

Sargeant will be part of a team of 25 optometrists, opticians, technicians and volunteers who will set up a temporary clinic in Mexico to deliver free eye care and used eyeglasses to about 20,000 people.

The effort is one of 12 Give the Gift of Sight missions planned for 2004 by the LensCrafters Foundation and Lions Club International.

Holiday Xtravaganza

Kids can experience local artists at work, scavenger hunts, music, storytelling and hands-on art activities at the second annual Holiday Xtravaganza from 1-4 p.m. Dec. 4-5 at the Education Center at the Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Dr.,Walnut Hills.

Admission is free. For more information, call Natalie Hastings at (513) 639-2954.

Lakota East helps food bank

Reach Out Lakota, a food bank in West Chester, has benefited from the social studies department of Lakota East High School and the student government.

The two entities conducted a food drive for two weeks in October. It netted 80 boxes of food.

The class of Melissa Wipperman, Spanish, and Dana Chapman, English, collected the greatest number of goods, said Dan Hilen, Lakota East spokesman.

Hilen said the items donated were needed to replenish the shelves at the food bank.

Public art aim of project

The Art Academy of Cincinnati and Peaslee Neighborhood Center are partners in the Over-the-Rhine Art Project, which aims to engage residents in creating public art.

The project is led by artist Suzanne Fisher.

She said the effort involves every level of the artistic process.

The 16-foot-high Imagine Peace and Unity Archway at 1317 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, is an example of the art work in the area.

The 18-ton concrete structure has mosaic panels created by children and adults at Washington Park School, St. Francis Seraph, Lighthouse Community Services, and Peaslee Neighborhood Center, working with the Miami University Center for Community Engagement in Over-the-Rhine.

The structure was built by artist Greg Schmidt.

The unveiling and dedication ceremony took place Oct. 2.

For information about the project, call (513) 621-5514.