News Summary

A 2008 Monroe High School graduate is one of 13 area high school students who has been awarded a $1,150 scholarship by Miami University Middletown under its Scholar Incentive Awards.

Rachel Holderby, daughter of Martin and Dreama Holderby , plans to major in history this fall at Miami University Middletown, school officials said.

The student with the highest grade point average among those admitted to Miami University Middletown from each school automatically receives the 2008-2009 scholarship award, they said.

While enrolled in Monroe Local Schools, Rachel was a member of the National Honor Society, women's varsity track team and a student athletic trainer's aide.

She also has scholarships from the Monroe Optimist Club and John MacDonald Insurance Inc., for college, university officials said.

In other news:

• There's a new employee in Monroe Local Schools treasurer's office.

Melissa Scalia has been hired to serve as a secretary and accounts receivable specialist in treasurer Kelley Thorpe's office. Prior to joining Monroe Schools, Scalia spent five years in the treasurer's office at Princeton City Schools.

She is replacing Elisa Tolson who has been promoted to serve as the accounts payable specialist. Tolson is replacing Debbie Glaub, the accounts payable clerk, who left the district to take a job elsewhere.

• Monroe's School Board President Tom Leeds has been appointed to serve as a delegate for the Ohio School Boards Association Capital Conference, which is in Columbus in November. The board also appointed board member Mike Lane to serve as Leeds' alternate for the event.

• If you're planning to clean out your garage and get rid of some large items, the city is gearing up to help you.

Monroe City Council passed a motion last week to hold a large-item pick up day on Oct. 11.

And even though Halloween is more than two months away, the city has scheduled its beggar's night hours from 6 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 31.