James Buchanan

With bottled water at their seats and an industrial fan behind them, 178 graduates from James Buchanan High School's Class of 2011 received their diplomas on an evening when the temperature exceeded 90 degrees. "Be proud of your accomplishments, and be proud you're a James Buchanan High School graduate," Principal Rodney Benedick said at the start of Wednesday's ceremony. Graduates' family and friends piled into the bleachers at Rocket Stadium and lined the track fence. They joined the teenagers in singing the school's alma mater.

The Tuscarora Area Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Tuscarora School District again this year to provide mock interviews on Jan. 19 for the mandatory economics class taught to juniors at James Buchanan High School in Mercersburg. The mock interviews help prepare students for the world of work. For a small commitment of time and energy, the volunteers made a big impact on the students and school district. Thanks go to FreeMind PR, First National Bank of Mercersburg, F&M Trust, Whitetail Resort, DL Martin Co., Tower Bank and Waste Management for their help.

James Buchanan High School’s baseball team had its first workouts of the season Monday and used equipment provided by U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster. Shuster, R-Pa., stopped by the school Monday morning to present equipment used in last year’s Congressional Baseball Game. Played at Nationals Park, the game pits Democrats against Republicans for charity. The Democrats won in 2009 and 2010, Shuster said. “Prior to that, we had an eight-year winning streak,” he said.

With the new year comes a new beginning for the beleaguered James Buchanan High School swimming pool following the completion of renovations to its locker room. More than a dozen volunteers rolled up their sleeves to install state-of-the-art plastic lockers on Dec. 27, ending years of pool problems that started with state officials shutting down the deteriorating locker rooms two years ago. In February 2008, the boys and girls pool locker rooms were condemned by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

MERCERSBURG, Pa. - Fort Loudon Wesley Yeagar American Legion Post 606 recently donated $10,000 to the Fix JB Sports Capital Campaign. Bill Hockenberry, post commander, presented the check to School Superintendent Rebecca Erb and Capital Campaign Chairwoman Carrie Heckman. "I know there is a definite need," Hockenberry said. The Fort Loudon American Legion, "wants to stay connected and support the community. " Erb expressed her thanks to the American Legion. "It's an honor to represent the District on behalf of Fix JB Sports, as they accept this generous donation," she said.

MERCERSBURG, Pa. -- During the school year, James Buchanan High School Principal Rodney Benedick regularly canvassed the building before the start of each school day checking for what might not be working on that particular day. It could have been any number of things, he said. But on Wednesday, Benedick toured the school building to survey all that is being fixed. The nearly 40-year-old facility is undergoing a major renovation, much of which has taken place over the summer break.

MERCERSBURG, Pa. - The Tuscarora Education Foundation recently awarded three James Buchanan High School graduates - Kara Barrett, Lillian Berney and Daniel McClung - with the 2010 Margaret Stickell scholarship in the amount of $1,000 each. The students were selected from the JBHS graduating class of 160 students based on their outstanding academic achievement, and involvement in extracurricular and civic activities. "It is my honor and privilege to present each of these students a $1,000 scholarship to use toward their college tuition," said Michael J. Skubon, foundation chairman.

The renovation of James Buchanan High School is on target to start Jan. 11. The Tuscarora School Board on Monday approved $14.2 million worth of contracts for the project, which will upgrade the high school's mechanical systems but not expand the building. Bids came in lower than estimated, according to Hal Hart, of architectural firm Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates. The base bids, of $13.7 million, were 6 percent lower than the maximum set by the school board, Hart said.

PREP FOOTBALL INWOOD, W.Va. -- David Gladden ran for a game-high 97 yards on 12 carries -- including touchdown runs of 36, 19 and 2 yards -- as Martinsburg finished its regular season with a 28-14 victory over Musselman on Friday night. The Bulldogs (8-2) took a 21-14 lead in the fourth quarter on Gladden's final TD run of the game. Brandon Bishop scored the game's final touchdown on a 75-yard interception return. Vicente Hernandez scored on a 25-yard interception return in the second quarter as Musselman tied the game at 7. The Applemen (4-5)

BOYS SOCCER CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. -- Jeremiah House and Luke Bunting each scored two goals and Caleb Serafini had a goal and two assists to lead Grace Academy past Cumberland Valley Christian 7-0 in the Mason Dixon Christian Conference on Thursday. Spencer Horst and Kenny Frederickson each scored a goal, while Zack Morgan had two assists and Garrett Crespo and Camryn Stewart each added an assist for the Knights (2-0, 2-0). Carey Logan made 15 saves for CVCS (1-1, 1-1)