Eight students from the Riverside High School FFA Chapter recently participated in the 212/360 FFA Leadership Conference in Columbus.

High school freshmen and sophomores attended the “212” portion of the event that gets its name from the temperature at which water boils. Participants completed a talent assessment and also learned about various FFA opportunities and agriculture-related career fields.

Juniors and seniors attended the “360” part of the conference that also explores agriculture-related careers. Students learned how best to prepare for their future careers through hands-on experience and advanced education, while polishing their leadership and communications skills.

Participants also generated ideas about how to utilize their leadership skills in community service and volunteerism efforts.

Lauryn Sanford, center, of Riverside and Ethan Ricketts, right, of Benjamin Logan, battled to a tie to see who could do the most jumping jacks, with both topping 600 Thursday during the Power Up 4 Fitness challenge at the Hilliker Y. Since 2007, the Mary Rutan Hospital program has reached out to hundreds of county fourth-graders to teach the importance of healthy behaviors. The program culminates with an evening of activity at the Y for students and their families. (EXAMINER PHOTO | RICK PITTS)

Bellefontaine High School senior Deion Rockhold, left, and junior J.D. Bensman, check out the buffet of cookies, donuts and other desserts this morning during the Sweet Rewards event at the school auxiliary gym. The annual event hosted by the BHS Academic Boosters is a reward for students who have earned a GPA of 3.25 and above. A total of $400 in cash prizes were awarded, with the top prizes in the drawing going to senior Evan Snapp, $50, and freshman Caitlin Hollar, $100. A Price Is Right game also awarded 30 different prizes to pupils. (EXAMINER PHOTO | MANDY LOEHR)

Lay minister Vern Schwieterman marks ashes in the sign of the cross on the forehead of Logan Acres resident Louie Meredith, 96, during an Ash Wednesday service at the center, 2739 County Road 91. Also pictured far right is Albert Kessler, 85. During the service that marks the start of Lent, Mr. Schwieterman encouraged residents to offer up a special prayer of love to God that evening, and to spread that love to their neighbors, friends and family. (EXAMINER PHOTO | MANDY LOEHR)

The Examiner traveled recently to Disney World in Florida with William,  holding the paper, and Adam Skidmore of Bellefontaine, who took part in the half and full marathon, respectively, for the Goofy Challenge.

The new owners of the House of Szechwan: Jane Chen, rear center with camera, her husband Liu Huan, at her left, and stepson Liu Hui “Jimmy,” at Mr. Liu’s left, kicked off the Chinese New Year, marking the beginning of the Year of the Snake, with a traditional Chinese feast for family, employees and patrons of the restaurant shortly before midnight Saturday. (EXAMINER PHOTO | REUBEN MEES)

(PHOTO | INDIAN LAKE SCHOOLS)

Indian Lake Middle School is offering the chance for students to stay after school once a month to participate in intramural activities with their peers.

Last week, pupils participated in a wiffle ball tournament. Basketball and kickball are some of the other activities that will be offered during the sessions organized by adviser Mandy Tidwell and volunteer teachers Jana McPherson, Melanie Asman and Britnie Middleton.