Horizon Honors graduate Jessica Laflin, a biochemistry major, was academic all-Iowa Conference honors as the sophomore volleyball player for Central College, with a 3.51 GPA.

Desert Garden offers a Montessori infant program to begin a child’s journey with the best considerations possible in education.

Valley Christian swimmer and Ahwatukee Foothills resident Mikala Nelson will attend Concordia University in Irvine, Calif.

14647 S. 50th St.

Bethany Christian School, 6304 S. Price Road in Tempe, is enrolling new students for the 2013-14 school year.

Catholic Charities Community Services’ DIGNITY House was recently named Homeless Service Provider of the Year by Phoenix Neighborhood Services. DIGNITY House received the award for its outstanding efforts assisting women with intensive residential recovery to help them live an independent life. The award was presented last month during the city’s National Community Development Week celebration.

Students ambassadors from the Everest College Phoenix Mesa campus hopped to help the Easter bunny this year by providing more than 100 Easter baskets for children at Cardon Children’s Medical Center. This marks the fourth year in a row that the Everest College Phoenix Mesa campus has helped to give the children at the medical center a surprise on Easter morning.

Bethany Christian School in Tempe will be a host site for “Camp Invention” this summer in June, and early registration is ending soon.

Don Kennedy’s inane rantings (“A nation divided,” AFN, March 3) contain one notably provocative (but slovenly stated) claim: “The Judeo-Christian ethic is being persecuted more than it was since the time of Christ.” Is Kennedy referring to the Roman practice of feeding Christians to the lions?

Desert Vista High School students recently launched a website that discusses the positives of public education.

H&R BLOCK was recognized at a statewide Catholic schools rally at the Arizona Capitol last week for the company’s partnering role in educating Arizona tax payers about the Private Education Tax Credit, which helps low-income students attend high-performing Catholic schools.

H&R BLOCK was recognized at a statewide Catholic schools rally at the Arizona Capitol last week for the company’s partnering role in educating Arizona tax payers about the Private Education Tax Credit, which helps low-income students attend high-performing Catholic schools.

The children of Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori School have been bringing in their change for their love light banks in each classroom. The children raised more than $600 and Mrs. Meaghan McClung matched it. The school used this money to buy new toys for children whose families need help for the holidays.

Target Corp. announced it has donated $500,000 in monetary support and products to assist with Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. The donation will include $425,000 in cash and in-kind donations to the American Red Cross, $50,000 in cash donation to the Salvation Army, and $25,000 in gift cards to local Target stores to help with community needs.

Mountain Pointe graduate Erika Papadeas was named 2012 All-Heartland Conference Volleyball Team as a sophomore at Dallas Baptist.

Cardinal wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is hosting a meet and greet fundraiser that doubles as a autographing signing event on Sept. 22 at North Phoenix Baptist Church, 5757 N. Central Ave., from noon to 2 p.m.

Syndi Scheck Yad B’Yad Preschool invites preschool-aged children (0-5) and their families to Temple Emanuel of Tempe, 5801 S. Rural Road, on July 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Ashley Stainton, a resident of Ahwatukee Foothills and a senior at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, was listed on the honor roll with high distinction.

Columbia College Chicago congratulates Malori Ungvarsky, marketing communication major from Ahwatukee Foothills on being named to the dean’s list for the spring semester.

The spring 2012 semester was an outstanding one for more than 3,200 Kansas State University students who earned honors for their academic performance including Ahwatukee Foothills student, MacKenzie Rzonca.

Members of the Valley Christian High School chorale returned after performing May 28 at the prestigious Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall in New York City. The young musicians joined other choristers to form Distinguished Concerts Singers International, a choir of distinction. Conductor, Dr. James Melton, music department chair of Vanguard University, led the performance and served as clinician for the residency.

Pittsburgh Steeler Hall of Famer ‘Mean’ Joe Greene is scheduled to be doing a Father’s Day Sports Card and Memorabilia Show at the North Phoenix Baptist Church, 5757 N. Central Ave., on Saturday, June 16 from noon and 1:30 p.m. There will be 200 tickets sold in advance and range from $85 to $100.

The Valley Christian Athletic Department is hosting camps for boys and girls in grades third through 12.

Hospice of the Valley volunteers and staff are available for free, no-obligation presentations throughout the Valley. The non-profit agency’s speakers bureau addresses important health related topics that are appropriate for all audiences. Community organizations, service clubs, and civic and faith groups are encouraged to contact Carolyn Richel at (602) 814-3694 or crichel@hov.org for more information or to schedule a presentation.

Schools, churches, nonprofit organizations and service clubs will be gathered at Pecos Community Center, 17010 S. 48th St., on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon to showcase their service opportunities.