A Granite Bay teen secured the rank of Eagle Scout by performing a good deed for Oak Hills School.
Rick Evans, 16, of Granite Bay achieved the highest rank conferred by the Boy Scouts of America after organizing and overseeing a renovation project at the elementary school, at 9233 Twin Schools Road in Granite Bay.
Evans led a team of 39 volunteers who demolished 360 feet of rotting wooden barriers on the school playgrounds and overhauled the surrounding planting areas, according to a news release from Roseville/ Granite Bay Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Concrete curbing also was installed to provide a safer environment for the students who play nearby.
Evans, a member of Granite Bay Troop 409, was recognized for his achievement June 1 at a Court of Honor ceremony.
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Rocklin High School junior Mallory Valenzuela recently received a $500 cash prize for her entry in the Organization of Chinese Americans' annual essay contest.
The OCA is a national organization dedicated to advancing the social, political and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States. OCA Sacramento encourages students to express their ideas through creative writing.
Valenzuela won with an essay answering this year's contest theme: "Why it's important for me, an Asian Pacific Islander American, to vote."
Valenzuela received her award at the Dragon Boat Festival in Sacramento. She is the daughter of Rizaldi and Evangeline Valenzuela of Rocklin.
