Cyndi Loza

Nevada Icons Contest: Whether it’s cartoon cowboys or cutthroat trout, RED Development is asking students to help suggest Nevada icons for the Legends at Sparks Marina project.

The project, currently under construction along the shores of the Sparks Marina, plans to feature a variety of famous citizens and representations of the Silver State. To help in their search, the developer is holding the 2008 Kids Choice Legendary Nevadans Contest.

Through the contest, RED Development welcomes suggestions from the community on what it considers to be legendary Nevadans, encouraging children 6 to 19 to submit essays detailing who or what should be included and why.

The winner will have his or her legend worked into the project’s hardscape. Submissions will be accepted through May 31.

To submit an idea, visit www.ExperienceLegends.com or mail your essay entry to: The Legends at Sparks Marina, Kids Choice Essay Contest, P.O. Box 3450, Sparks, NV 89432.

Parent involvement training

The Washoe County School District is offering an interactive training Thursday to encourage parent involvement in each district school and help parents self-assess.

The event will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Brown Center, 14101 Old Virginia Road.

Last chance to chat with superintendant

Community members will have a chance to chat with Washoe County School District Superintendant Paul Dugan next week.

Throughout the year, the school district holds brown bag lunches to allow the superintendent to answer questions and address concerns regarding education. On May 28, the district will hold its final lunch from noon to 1 p.m. at the Neil Road Community Center, 3925 Neil Road.

Honorable mentions

People who have distinguished themselves recently in education:

• Reno High School student Melanie McGarry was presented the Class Act Award at the Washoe County School District board meeting in April. The award honors a student who has shown exceptional work in the community and in the school district.
• Margaret Toole was presented the Exceptional Volunteer Award at the Washoe County School District board meeting in April. The award recognizes a volunteer in the Washoe County School - District who has donated at least 100 hours of unpaid work for the success of all schoolchildren.
• Vicki Vradenburg was presented the Classified Recognition Award at the Washoe County School District board meeting in April. The award honors exceptional work from classified employees in the district, which includes bus drivers, teacher’s aides, secretaries and custodial workers.