The Niagara-Wheatfield Board of Education last week gave its approval to proceed with planning for an Adult Education Program for fall 2012, despite budget constraints.

Niagara University is ranked among the country's most environmentally responsible colleges, according to The Princeton Review.

Niagara University is pleased to announce the successful completion of "The Promise of Niagara...The next 150 years," an $80 capital campaign that began in May 2007.

As part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Niagara County Community College Wellness Center and the Niagara County Trauma Task Force are hosting the nationally recognized Clothesline Project exhibit beginning Monday, April 16. The exhibit will be on display in the Dolce-Valvo Art Center (D168) on the Sanborn campus through Thursday, April 19.

On Tuesday, April 10, Niagara University will hold a press conference to announce the successful completion of "The Promise of Niagara...The next 150 years," an $80 capital campaign that began in May 2007.

During the month of March, Niagara University held receptions to present high-achieving students with scholarships to one of its four colleges, as well as its Academic Exploration Program for undeclared majors.

After a five-month budget development process, the Grand Island Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution for the proposed 2012-13 school district budget in the amount of $53,079,789. This includes a 2.4 percent tax rate increase and a tax levy capped at 3.25 percent. The budget will go to Grand Island voters on Tuesday, May 15.

The Kiwanis Club of Niagara-Wheatfield third annual scholarship award will be given to two graduating seniors who reside in either the Town of Niagara or the Town of Wheatfield.

It's no secret that school cleaners have a difficult job. That's why 10 students at Edward Town Middle school helped out after school on March 14 as part of the school's "Cleaner Appreciation Day."

Sister Simone Campbell, executive director of NETWORK, will deliver an address titled "Getting Engaged: Faith and the Political Process in America" at Niagara University's Castellani Art Museum on Thursday, April 19, at 5:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The faculty and staff of Niagara Catholic Jr./Sr. High School, Catholic Academy of Niagara Falls and St. Dominic Savio Middle School recently attended a professional development day to discuss the transition of the seventh and eighth grade middle school students to the high school.

Niagara University has announced that Dr. Todd Schoepflin, an associate professor in its sociology department, has been ranked as one of the top professors in the U.S., according to The Princeton Review and www.RateMyProfessors.com.

The Niagara County Legislature will hold a special meeting Tuesday, at 6 p.m., to discuss approving the issuance of up to $48,000,000 in tax-exempt revenue bonds by the Niagara Area Development Corporation to Niagara University.

Drs. Mary McCourt and Lawrence Mielnicki, both Niagara University professors, are seeking females over age 18 to volunteer for a study that aims to detect biomarkers for breast cancer in the urine of women.

Applications are now being accepted for the Ruth and William O. Sass Scholarship to encourage excellence in the field of nursing.

Niagara Catholic Jr./Sr. High School Senior Jeffrey Gansworth of Niagara Falls has been honored for his exemplary volunteer service with The 2012 Prudential Spirit of Community Award.

The Niagara-Wheatfield Board of Education meeting started out on a high note on March 21 with a commendation to Natalie Borga, named 2012 valedictorian.

Borga has a 100 percent plus average, is active in numerous school organizations and does community service.

The meeting took a turn when more than 30 people signed in to speak during the public comment portion.

For two hours students, parents and teachers came forward to plead to save the music program in the K-5 grade levels. Each voiced how music was an integral part of their life or their child's life.

35 students from the Orleans and Niagara Career and Technical Education centers came home victorious from the SkillsUSA Region 1 Leadership Conference and Skills Competition recently held at SUNY Alfred.

Niagara University is headed to the Final Four.

State Sen. Mark Grisanti today announced his participation of a free Youth Express Job Fair at Erie Community College in Orchard Park. This is an opportunity for graduating seniors in Western New York to meet employers who have part-time and seasonal jobs available for this summer or next year.

TOPS Friendly Markets announced Tuesday that, in honor of Alcohol Awareness Month, the company has partnered with Px20, a collaboration of Erie County agencies dedicated to preventing substance abuse and promoting mental and physical health, to raise awareness of underage drinking. Alcohol Awareness Month is observed during the month of April.

Assemblyman John Ceretto is again accepting applications in his district office for New York Conference of Italian-American State Legislators scholarships. The group will award four $1,500 scholarships - two academic and two athletic - to student applicants from around New York state.

Megan Hoover, a senior English and education major from Kenmore who works in the Office of Admissions, was named Niagara University's Student Employee of the Year at an awards ceremony held on Friday, March 23, in the Heritage Room of Clet Hall.

Niagara University has announced that Dr. Michelle R. Ciminelli, an assistant professor in its College of Education, has been selected as one of nine finalists for the Outstanding Dissertation of the Year Award from the International Reading Association (IRA), the largest association for literacy educators in the world.

The Shawnee Junior Explorer's annual spaghetti dinner and basket auction will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 1, at the Shawnee Volunteer Fire Department firehall, 3747 Lockport Road (near Shawnee Road), Wheatfield.

This year, the Greater Niagara Frontier Council, Boy Scouts of America is hoping that those who have experienced the benefits of Scouting will attend its second annual Fire and Ice fundraising dinner. The event takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 29, at Templeton Landing at the Erie Basin Marina.

State University of New York Empire State College will hold public information sessions about its associate and bachelor's degree programs at its Niagara Frontier Center, Appletree Business Park, 2875 Union Road, Cheektowaga.

Niagara Catholic Jr./Sr. High School recently held its annual Mardi Gras Dinner and Auction at Antonio's Restaurant, Banquet and Conference Center.

Shannon Risk helps Helen Hunt sort through her family tree on "Who Do You Think You Are?"

Niagara Catholic Jr./Sr. High School was recently honored as a recipient of an automated external defibrillator.

Niagara University has announced that Lori A. Soos, director of health services, has been selected as a recipient of the American College Health Association's (ACHA) Affiliate New Professionals Award for 2012.

For the sixth consecutive year, Niagara University has been named to the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for exemplary service to the community.

Niagara County Community College will host its spring health fair from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Monday, March 26. The event will take place in the Student Center (G building) Main Dining Room.

The Lewiston Garden Club is now seeking candidates for its $1,000 scholarship for 2012.

The art department of the Lewiston-Porter Central School District presents its annual exhibition, "Growth Through Art," at the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center, 1201 Pine Ave. The show consists of artwork made in every grade level from kindergarten through grade 12. The opening reception is Saturday, March 24, between noon and 2 p.m.

Starting April 1, Niagara University's recreation department will begin accepting registrations for its weekly Summer Youth Camp, which will be held on campus from June 25 to August 17.

To celebrate their 25th high school reunion, members of the Lewiston-Porter Class of 1987 are throwing a "Spirit of the '80s" reunion Aug. 10 and 11. The party will take place at The Brickyard Pub & B.B.Q and at Academy Park. Four bands will perform that weekend, including headline act The Spoons.

Mike Skowronski, an employer relations coordinator in Niagara University's Office of Career Services, received NU's first Outstanding Employee Award.

State Sen. Mark Grisanti, R-60th, today announced that the Senate has passed the "Protect Our Children Act," which he sponsored, to change the laws of New York to save and protect children from cruel and repeated maltreatment.

The St. Peter R.C. School Future City Team won the award for the Most Unique Engineering Design at the Western New York Regional Competition.