Local business helps Rachel’s Challenge

The Pridemore brothers of Pride Auto Care donated $3 from every oil change last October to Rachel’s Challenge, a nonprofit organization dedicated to minimizing bullying and violence in our nation’s schools. Al Pridemore delivered a check to the Rachel’s Challenge staff for $1,530. This check will ensure that at least 500 more students will hear Rachel’s message. Rachel’s Challenge, headquartered in Littleton, is based on the true story of Rachel Joy Scott, the first student killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. Rachel’s Challenge is a nonprofit, non-political, non-religious organization dedicated to replacing bullying and violence in schools with positive words and actions by teaching basic life principles as demonstrated by Rachel’s life of kindness and compassion. Pride Auto Care is a full service tire and auto shop in Centennial, Littleton and Parker.

Smith to represent Centennial in pageant

Pam Smith was recently selected as the new Mrs. Centennial and will represent her community in the 35th annual state competition March 5 in Denver. The winner of the state competition will receive a prize package valued at over $15,000 and advance to compete at the national Mrs. America Pageant.

Centennial mom selected to attend conference

Parenting magazine recently announced that Melissa Taylor, of Centennial, has been selected to represent Colorado at the second-annual Mom Congress on Education and Learning conference at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Taylor was chosen for her outstanding contributions and dedication to improving local schools. A total of 51 moms, representing each state and the District of Columbia, have been selected by Parenting as Mom Congress delegates.

South Metro Fire Rescue Authority earns accreditation

The South Metro Fire Rescue Authority was awarded accreditation by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International March 8 at the commission’s spring meeting in Orlando, Fla. The accreditation is valid for five years.

“This is an enormous achievement,” said Chief Daniel Qualman. “We have been evaluated by our peers and found to have met or exceeded national standards.”

The accreditation process gives the South Metro Fire Rescue Authority the opportunity to assess and evaluate our fire and emergency service as well as gives us a model for continuous improvement and method of providing the highest level of service to our community, Qualman said.