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across the hedge. down the street. around the block. Clayton High club raises $2,000 for Muscular Dystrophy Association Submitted by Johnston County Schools Students in Clayton High’s DECA chapter, an association for marketing students, raised and donated $2,000 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) recently. The DECA chapter presented a check and several other items collected by students to Amber Toy, family care specialist for MDA Eastern Carolina, on Jan. 12. The chapter’s community service effort began last March when they raised $300 by selling shamrocks during their annual MD campaign. Following the fundraiser, DECA members and faculty participated in several activities to raise additional funds. The activities included participating in the Muscle Walk, a wristband sale, conducting a Miracle Minute, a bowling tournament and Zaxby’s teacher lunches. The chapter also got other students at Clayton High involved in their fundraiser by conducting a “Fill a Stocking for MDA” project, where classes collected art supplies for children to use at the MDA summer camp this year. DECA has been a long-time supporter and partner of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Together MDA and DECA work to help fund research to find treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy and other debilitating muscle diseases. They also help meet the special needs of young people and adults who suffer from debilitating muscle diseases. DECA utilizes community service as a dynamic learning opportunity that supports classroom teaching, student achievement, and overall college and career readiness. Smithfield-Selma Chamber hosts Academic Achievers Luncheon Photo by Smithfield-Selma Chamber NEWS FROM YO SMITHFIELD — Thirty Johnston County high school juniors were honored at the Smithfield-Selma Chamber of Commerce Academic Achievers luncheon at the Country Club of Johnston County on Monday, Feb. 6. The students from Smithfield-Selma High School, Johnston County Early College Academy, Johnston County Middle College and Neuse Charter School were chosen for the honor based on their grade-point averages and class size. The students enjoyed a catered lunch by Outback Steakhouse, and then had a chance to participate in round table discussions with invited area professionals in fields including law, engineering, business, medicine and commmunications. J.H. Langdon, a former member of the North Carolina State House of Representatives, was the guest speaker, and each of the students received a certificate. One more from the snow Photo by Mara Benson We had a snow picture left over from the February issue. This is Layla Benson with her Mema, Susan, in Four Oaks during Layla’s first sledding trip. Students from the Clayton High DECA chapter present Amber Toy, family care specialist for MDA Eastern Carolina, with a check for $2,000 as well as items collected by students. Pictured are: Left to right, Davis Lanier, Taylor Bowman, Amber Toy, Kelli Carver, Chelsey Wansley, Hannah Ziegler and Maya Kelly. 10 | JOHNSTON NOW