Gwinnett Daily Post

SUGAR HILL -- The Gwinnett County Veterinary Medical Association has announced the award of its first merit-based scholarship to Jennifer Berndt, a Buford resident and second-year veterinary technician student at Gwinnett Technical College.

Berendt, a student of the college's veterinary technician program, will be presented with her scholarship at the end of the month during a special ceremony.

Dr. Chris Thomas, president of the Gwinnett County Veterinary Association, said that the student "has consistently demonstrated both her scholastic aptitude and her strong commitment to the veterinary profession through her current and past experience as a veterinary assistant."

The Gwinnett County Veterinary Association is a professional organization composed of 160 veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians from private practices.

Falcons honor young man for fitness challenge

SUGAR HILL -- Nathan Tran, a fourth-grade student at Sugar Hill Christian Academy, was recently recognized by the Atlanta Falcons for the First Down for Fitness program.

In its fifth year, the three-month program is designed to challenge third- through seventh-grade students throughout the state to participate in fitness activities, eat healthy and lead a healthy lifestyle.

MVP's like Tran were nominated by their teachers and selected from out of 50,000 students in the program. The MVP's were selected for participation in physical fitness activities for at least 60 minutes of exercise, five days a week and maintaining healthy eating habits.

Each winner will wear a special jersey during pre-game ceremonies at the Nov. 27 Atlanta Falcons game.

Tran was one among 11 Falcons First Down for Fitness MVP's.

For more information about the program, visit www.atlantafalcons.com.

Frank Reddy writes about education. Good News from Schools appears in the Sunday edition of the Daily Post.