Students from the Trinity School's sixth-grade class joined the fight against childhood cancer by hosting an Alex's Lemonade Stand for three consecutive Fridays, Oct. 10, 17 and 24 in the cafeteria at the school on Ilchester Road After hearing Alex's story, student Lauren Ridlon decided to get involved. She thought it would be appropriate to enlist the help of her classmates, keeping with Trinity School's dedication to community service. The class accepted donations for a refreshing cup of lemonade during the school's lunch period. Some students also donated their allowances to the cause.

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra "Alex" Scott, who died in 2004. At the age of 4, Alex announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for all children with cancer. Since Alex held that first stand, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement, complete with thousands of volunteers across the country carrying on her legacy of hope. To date, Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 charity, has raised more than $25 million toward fulfilling Alex's dream of finding a cure, funding more than 80 research projects nationally, according to the organization.

-- Mary T. Robbins Phelan

West Friendship girl advances in pageant

A 6-year-old West Friendship girl has been awarded second runner-up in the National American Miss Pageant.

Sydni Rivero competed in the pageant and was awarded second runner-up to Miss Maryland and the title "Miss West Friendship" from a competition with more 50 finalists for the title "Miss Maryland."

The competition was based on the following formula: 30 percent on formal wear, 30 percent on personal introduction on stage, 30 percent interview with each of five judges and 10 percent on community service.

She has earned an invitation to compete on a national level at the "All-American" National Miss Pageant Thanksgiving week in California.

user comments (0)