The marching band was named grand champion at the West Stokes High School competition, which included 15 other bands from the Winston-Salem area. Drum majors Kyle Wrenn and Andrew Kessler received the highest drum major scores of the day.

The Western Carolina University marching band will be performing at halftime of Saturday's football game. Also on Saturday, the 375-member band will host a clinic for Wake County public school band members.

BRIARCLIFF ELEMENTARY

First grade teacher Nicole Russell has been selected to receive the "A Day Made Better" honor from OfficeMax. The award includes more than $1,000 worth of classroom supplies. For information about the award, visit adaymadebetter.com. To learn about adopting a local teacher, visit adoptaclassroom.org.

CARY ACADEMY

During the annual book fair, Nov. 5-8, the library will receive a percentage of sales made at any Barnes & Noble nationwide. To benefit the school, turn in a book fair voucher with the book fair number 526178 when making a purchase. Ceramic teapots made by visual arts students will be on display at the Barnes & Noble across from Cary Towne Center. An artist's reception will be from 4 to 5 p.m. on Nov. 8.

Eric Kofman was cited in the 2009 National Council of Teachers of English Achievement Awards in Writing. Kofman, a senior, and the school's English department will receive certificates.

Katelyn Linker has been named to USA Swimming's 2008-09 Scholastic All-America team. The Scholastic All-America program is open to all 10th-12th grade USA Swimming members who earn a 3.5 GPA or better and achieve a junior national bonus time standard.

CARY HIGH

At Cary High's homecoming Oct. 9, senior Jordan Gomez was named homecoming queen, first runner-up was Clarke Glendenning and the second runner-up was Andrea Ellis.

Noodles and Company, at 200 Crossroads Blvd. in Cary, will have "Cary High Night" from 5 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 5. Sales that evening will be donated to Cary High. .

GRACE CHRISTIAN

Students plan to package 10,000 meals today for hungry children in developing countries with Stop Hunger Now, a Raleigh-based international hunger relief agency. More information can be found at gracechristian.net.

GREEN HOPE HIGH

Seniors Michaela Clarke and Max Stanley have been named homecoming king and queen. Clarke is the daughter of Ron and Marian Clarke of Cary. Stanley is the son of Bob and Colleen Stanley of Cary.

HOLLY SPRINGS HIGH

On Tuesday, the choral program will host a "Give Back Night" at Chili's, 1120 Beaver Creek Commons Drive in Apex.

Chili's will donate a portion of the evening's proceeds to the choral program.

PANTHER CREEK HIGH

Panther Creek High School's homecoming was held on Oct. 9. Jessica Firestone, daughter of Steve and Rebecca Firestone of Morrisville, was chosen homecoming queen.