This week begins Salisbury's staff appreciation week and social media week. Monica Deeb, activities director said, "We will be regularly posting quotes/stories from parents, students and community focused on staff appreciation. If you would like to share a comment or story of appreciation, submit it online at http://bit.ly/ 12nEvau, or post it directly to Facebook and share on Twitter using the hashtag #stsdconnect."

Did you participate in this year's 5K Run/Walk for a Cure?

The eighth annual event, to support the National Niemann Pick Disease Foundation and SOAR, was held May 4 in the Lehigh Parkway. It is always a pleasure to see so many in the Salisbury community who volunteer, run and walk in this event. Special thanks goes to the 5K committee and the Salisbury teachers, students and Key Club for their dedication in volunteering. And a special congratulations goes to the 5K winners Kyle Gonoude and Rylee Donaldson. See the complete story and photos in our sports section this week. For more information or to support the Race for Adam's newest fundraising effort, the "Apple" Raffle Giveaway, go to www.RaceforAdam.org.

My son, Eric ran in the race, probably for his last time. Not a runner, he completed the 5K in a personal best time. This was good news considering where he is about to attend college and what his summer "beast" months will entail. I will segue those comments to congratulate Salisbury resident, Ethan Volke who is about to graduate from the United States Air Force Academy. As Ethan graduates, Salisbury resident, Peter Cialkowski will begin his senior year at the Air Force Academy.

Starting July 1, my son, Eric will be Cadet Tatum, Class of 2017, at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He will also be a member of the Black Knights Army swimming team. I thank all our young men and women who dedicate their lives to serve our country. Eric's official signing will be held at Salisbury High School 3 p.m. May 9.

Congratulations to the Salisbury High School twirlers; the squad won the 2013 Tournament Indoor Association Atlantic Coast World Twirling Championship, held in Wildwood, N.J. The high school squad finished with 88.10 points. The Salisbury Middle School twirling team finished second at the Atlantic Coast Twirling Championships, also in Wildwood. The SMS team placed second with 87.15 points and the winning team earned 87.25 points.

Good Luck to SHS student, Carolyn Boulay who is competing in the National History Day contest and to all those attending the State competition for the Pa. Junior Academy of Science.

Thank you again to our teachers for preparing these students for regional, state and national academic competitions.

The Salisbury graduating class of 2013 is invited with their families to a Baccalaureate Service 7:30 p.m. June 3 at Horizon Church, located on the corner of Ott and South Street, at 2613 South St., Allentown. According to Jill Creveling, this year's organizer, "The Baccalaureate Service is a non-denominational ceremony focusing on celebrating graduation, thanking educators and parents and looking to the future." Please plan to attend.

The Salisbury High School prom will be held May 11.

SHS Keystone testing will begin the week of May 13; the days of testing will have delayed start for all students not taking Keystones. These students will have a 2-hour delay.

Academic and Service Awards will be held 7 p.m. May 22 at SHS.

All schools will be closed on May 24 for a Professional Development Day and on Memorial Day May 27.

The 2013-2014 school calendar has been approved and you can locate it at www. stsd.org.

The Class of 2013 will graduate June 6.

Trident Swim and Tennis Club will open for its members May 25. Jim Hersh, Salisbury assistant swimming coach, will be this summer's new pool manager.

St. Thomas More Church will offer a presentation on natural family planning 7 to 8 p.m. May 13 in the Disciples Room. Learn how the church views natural family planning as a morally acceptable way of planning a family and how natural family planning enriches a marriage. MaryAnne Freeman Brndjar, D.O., OB/GYN. P.C. and Mary Ann Morales, BS, FCP will present. Babysitting will be available in the Shepherds Room. Looking for outdoor activities? Dorney Park opened this past weekend. Wildwater Kingdom, Dorney's water park, is scheduled to open May 25.

Shankweiler's Drive-In, in Schnecksville, and Becky's Drive-In, in Berlinsville/Walnutport, opened for the summer season; currently they are only open on weekends.