Young life digest

Ann Murphy named National Merit ‘commended student’ Tuxedo — Ann Murphy of Greenwood Lake, a senior at George F. Baker High School in Tuxedo, has been named a “commended student” in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program. A letter of commendation from the school and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation was presented to Murphy. About 34,000 commended students nationwide are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Commended students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2011 competition by taking the 2009 PreliminarySAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Food drive underway at George F. Baker High School Tuxedo — Tuxedo’s George F. Baker National Honor Society and Interact Club are sponsoring a food drive for the Greenwood Lake Food Pantry and the Tuxedo/Sloatsburg Food Pantry through Nov. 5. The groups are looking for non-perishable food items, such as, canned goods, macaroni, stuffing and drinks. For more information, call the high school at 351-4786. Chester graduation party committee to meet Oct. 12 Chester — The Chester Academy All Night Graduation Party committee will meet on Tuesday, Oct. 12, at 7:15 p.m. in room 115 of the academy. All parents/guardians are invited to attend. Scout workshops at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum CORNWALL — The Museum of the Hudson Highland’s Outdoor Discovery Center in Cornwall is offering workshops for area Junior Girl Scout and Cub Scout troops. Junior Girls Scouts day is Saturday, Oct. 16, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with the topic, “Rocks Rock.” Cub Scouts day (for all levels) is Sunday, Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with the topic “Wildlife Conservation.” Scouts will hike the trails and participate in fun, hands-on workshops as they learn about the Hudson Valley and earn requirements for badges. Scouts should bring a bag lunch, wear long pants and sturdy sneakers or hiking boots. Dress appropriate for the weather as much of the day will be spent on our trails. This program includes: completion of requirements necessary for the loop and pin awards. Troops must purchase them on their own after completion; museum fun patch for each scout; fossil craft to take home; and picnic area accessability. The cost is $12 per scout; adult leaders are free. A $50 deposit is required for reservations. For more information and reservations, call 534-5506 or email to: Alicia Ocana at aocana@hhnaturemuseum.org.