Katherine DeMarco, the 12-year-old granddaughter of Mario and Mildred De- Marco of Amityville, was named 4th Runner Up at the Pre-Teen New Jersey Sr. Scholarship and Recognition Program. This three-day event took place in mid-August. The award is based on academic achievement, volunteer service, school activities, development of personal skills, general knowl edge abl y and communications skills.

Katherine also won the Speech Contest for a talk titled 'What it takes to be a hero' and received the Academic Award.

Katherine is a 7th grader in Middle School in September where she participates in chorus and science olympiad and where she received the Academic Excellence award in both 2007 and 2008. For the past school year she also earned the perfect attendance award.

Katherine recently flew up to Cadette Girl Scout and has been involved with her service oriented Troop since kindergarten. Last year, she earned her Bronze Award with her Troop for leading a townwide Sing Along to celebrate the 95th Anniversary of Girl Scouting.

This is Katherine's sixth and final year competing in Pre-Teen NJ. As a 2008 runner up, she qualifies to