These local students recently distinguished themselves:

The American Red Cross Blood Services is holding these local drives in December:

— On Saturday, Dec. 7, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Masonic Lodge 85 in the dining room, 421 Kenwood Ave., Delmar;

“It’s a meditation on the power of friendship," says Altamont's librarian about Breadcrumbs, one of the books recommended for winter reading.

Guilderville swimmers like to laugh and have fun, but they’re serious in the pool. Head Coach John Urbanski believes that Kelly Gao and Caroline Conforti, the two swimmers headed to States this weekend, are the ideal reflection of Guilderville’s demeanor.

Martha Samadashvili sees beauty in chess, a game she has mastered in two years. Next month, she will represent the Capital District at the World Youth Championships in the United Arab Emirates.

These local students received scholarships at Clarkson University during the 2013-14 academic year:

These local students were among those honored Nov. 1 at the National Philanthropy Day Celebration and Scholarship Reception at Hudson Valley Community College. The event honors and recognizes all HVCC Foundation scholarship recipients for the current academic year. They include: