The Athens Drive High School Vocal Ensemble has received an invitation to sing at the National Presidents Day Celebration at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 20.

The concert will be under the artistic direction of Andre Thomas, director of choral activities, at Florida State University.

FUQUAY-VARINA HIGH SCHOOL

Fuquay-Varina High School students will perform "Aladdin Jr." at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, at the high school. Tickets are $10. People with unpaid tickets are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes early. To order tickets, call 919-972-1144 or visit home.earthlink.net/~gmprks.

GREEN HOPE HIGH SCHOOL

Former New Orleans Saint and NCSA Athletic Recruiting educational speaker Howard Stevens will hold a free seminar, "College Recruiting Simplified" at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, at 2500 Carpenter Upchurch Road in Cary. Stevens will offer advice on how to maximize your chances of receiving a college athletic scholarship. If you're interested in the seminar but do not attend Green Hope High School, call Tiffany Menzione at 312-624-7437.

JOHN F. KENNEDY PROFILE IN COURAGE ESSAY CONTEST

The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation is accepting submissions from high school students for the national John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest. Deadline for entries is Jan. 7, 2012.

The winner will be awarded a $5,000 cash prize and an additional $5,000 to grow in a John Hancock Freedom 529 College Savings Plan. The student's nominating teacher will be awarded a John F. Kennedy Public Service Grant in the amount of $500 to be applied toward school projects involving student leadership and civic engagement. The essay contest winner and nominating teacher will also receive an expense paid round-trip to Boston, where they will be honored by Caroline Kennedy at the annual John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award ceremony in May. A second place winner will receive $1,000 and up to five finalists will each receive $500.

For information, visit www.jfklibrary.org.

MIDDLE CREEK HIGH SCHOOL

Middle Creek High School will hold its fifth annual Stampede to Excellence Auction at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, in the Commons. The annual dinner, silent and live auction will support athletics, band and chorus booster clubs, and the PTSA. Tickets are $15 each or $25 for two. Food and drinks are included. For information, visit www.stampedeclub.org.

UNCW TRIANGLE AREA ALUMNI

The UNC Wilmington Triangle Area Alumni Chapter will hold its annual fall alumni dinner at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, at Prestonwood County Club in Cary. Tickets are $15 and include a networking cocktail reception, dinner and dessert. Deadline for tickets is Wednesday, Nov. 2. For information, visit www.uncw.edu/alumni/triangle.html.

WEST CARY MIDDLE SCHOOL

West Cary Middle School staff and the Positive Behavioral Intervention Support team have recognized several students during the months of September and October for displaying IMPS Expectations, students who show integrity, maturity, positivity and self discipline. Students who have been recognized for making IMPressions at West Cary Middle School are:

Sixth grade: James Council, Kasu Endalkachew, Ximena Sachez, Tammy Sasore, Brent Lipps, Sam Neill, Jordan Feliciano, Emily Frederick, Rayhaan Winqvist, Janiece Ortiz and Vamsi Nanduri

Seventh grade: Jordan Simmons, Henry Bonilla, Devonte Floyd, Edward Lee, KeyaNa Richardson, Matthew Courtney, April Luck, Josh Frederick, Sarah Cottros, Aaruba Ayesha and Justin Kirchner

Eighth grade: Chris Pacas-Aragon, Dalena Nyguyen, James Burnett, Rachel Donaldson, Tabby Caldwell, Katie Barry, Justin Hall, Brandon Fuentes, Elexis Parker-White, Harley McVeigh, Wesley Smith and James Donovan