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Club news, week of Feb. 16-22

 
Welcome new NSAL members, from left, Auliki Kuusela, Judith Hall, NSAL membership chair Chris Cosdon, and Jan Harroun.
Welcome new NSAL members, from left, Auliki Kuusela, Judith Hall, NSAL membership chair Chris Cosdon, and Jan Harroun.
Published Feb. 15, 2012

Kiwanis Student of the Month

Rian McCloskey was selected as Student of the Month for January at Safety Harbor Elementary School. Teacher Shelly Holder chose the fifth-grader for her eagerness to learn and naturally positive attitude. Always ready and willing to accept challenges and to give a helping hand to those around her, Rian's teacher said she is always respectful, inspirational and never gives up. At one time, Rian had little interest in reading, but has grown to be one of the most avid readers in the class.

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Broadway actor Quentin Earl Darrington entertained at the National Society of Arts and Letters Luncheon Feb. 6 at the Belleair Country Club. The performer offered up a variety of tunes including a number from Shrek, a powerful rendition of Amazing Grace, That's Life, and numbers from the 2009 Tony-nominated Ragtime, where he made his Broadway debut playing the role of Coalhouse Walker Jr. Accompanying Darrington was music director and conductor Alvin Hough Jr.

Darrington, originally from Lakeland, began his career at the Tampa Bay Performing Art Center's resident repertory theater company after graduating from the University of South Florida. Auditions in New York City were followed by his first national tour and he has since performed and toured in shows and concerts throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.

Known for volunteering his time and talent in nursing homes, hospitals, schools, universities, shelters and churches, he also helped lead the master class in Washington, D.C., for the NSAL national competition winners in 2009.

Darrington recently starred in Memphis, a musical that played at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Last year, he played the lead role as Martin Luther King Jr. in the musical, I Dream. His credits also include Lost in the Stars, The Color Purple, The Lion King, Ragtime and A Little Night Music.

During the luncheon, new members Jan Harroun, Judith Hall and Auliki Kuusela were welcomed with a red rose.

Kiwanis Club's Sea Hawk Awards

Two students at Safety Harbor Middle School have been recognized for their outstanding achievements with Sea Hawk Awards, presented by the Safety Harbor Kiwanis Club.

Eighth-grader Desmond Ahenkor-Bediako was chosen by his teacher, Ann Spears, for his progress in improving his academic work and working with others.

Seventh-grader Shane Ennis was selected by his teacher, Patty Owens, for his fine scholastic work and attitude.

Both young men were presented with a trophy from the Safety Harbor Kiwanis as well as family ticket packets from Ruth Eckerd Hall.

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Pinellas County Commissioner Neil Brickfield was the guest speaker at the Feb. 2 meeting of the Clearwater All American Sertoma Club.

Brickfield discussed how Pinellas County became the official seat of government after severing ties with Hillsborough County more than 100 years ago.

John Doran, the club's vice president of speakers, presented the Sertoma Cup to Brickfield in appreciation for his time and presentation.