Congratulations to the Glenelg High School graduates who walked across the stage and received diplomas at Merriweather Post Pavilion on May 29. Best wishes to these students and their families as they move on to the next step in their lives.

Glenelg’s Jazz Ensemble will be the closing act for the Columbia Festival of the Arts Lakefest Weekend on June 22 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The senior members will return for their final performance with the ensemble. Columbia Festival features three days of live music, arts and crafts, fair food and lots of free activities for everyone in Downtown Columbia. More information and performance schedules can be found at https://www.visithowardcounty.com/events/annual-events/columbia-festival-of-the-arts/.

Congratulations to the musicians from Glenwood Middle School who participated in Music in the Parks at HersheyPark. Band Director David Apple, Orchestra Conductor Kayla Compson and Chorus Director Sharon Johnson are proud to announce that their students earned first place trophies across the board. In addition, the choir and orchestra were named Best Overall groups, and Violette Hass was named the Overall Outstanding Jazz Soloist. These young musicians are working hard and making their parents and teachers proud.

For the 10th consecutive year the Howard County Public School System has been recognized as a Best Community for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation. This award recognizes the outstanding efforts by our county to make music education an important part of public school. The schools in our part of the county are fine examples of this emphasis on music.

Calvary Lutheran Church at 16151 Old Frederick Road will host Vacation Bible School from July 14 through July 18 from 9 a.m. to noon each day. Children 4 years old through rising sixth graders are welcome to spend the week learning about Jesus with crafts, games and music. This year’s theme is True North, Trusting Jesus in a Wild World. For more information contact Kim Smithson in the church office at 410-489-5280.

Triadelphia Ridge Elementary School is collecting gently used children’s books for Bryant Woods Elementary. Any books appropriate for elementary school children which are in good condition can be dropped off at Triadelphia Ridge between June 4 and 13.

Congratulations to the Glenelg Softball team for their win over Middletown for the Regional Championship Title. This is their first regional title in 15 years.

Congratulations to the Girls and Boys Lacrosse teams for their wins in the state semifinals. The girls team won its seventh county title in eight years, and has won 49 straight games against county opponents. The Boys Lacrosse teams have won regional titles each of the last four years. Way to go, Gladiators!

Send news that you would like to read in this column to Tracy Trobridge at tracy21738@yahoo.com or call 410-489-7444.