Two recent Juneau-Douglas High School graduates recently won $1,000 scholarships from the Juneau chapter of Veterans for Peace after submitting winning essays on the topic of building a peace movement through music.

The winning pieces by Megan Behnke and McLean Cannon can be read at http://vfpjuneauscholarship2011.blogspot.com/, as can an entry by Laurel Stark, which was honorably mentioned. Cannon is a freelance contributor to the Empire.

Carte family offers thanks for help in tough times

As the investigation continues, we have laid to rest our son Gabriel A. Carte. Our pain will be with us for a long time. April and I and Rob and Seana would like to thank the Jensen Family of Rejuvenation Salon & Spa for opening up their home to us in every way, From showers, beds and cooking and just everything and anything we needed. They have gone way above and beyond.

We would also like to thank Tim and Joann Birt of Juneau for providing transportation for us to get around town.

The Auke Bay Post No. 25 of the American Legion held a meeting on tuesday, Flag Day, to sort donated American flags. Damaged and weathered American flags were to be disposed of in a ceremony at the post Saturday.

Kids in Juneau are reading this summer and writing reviews of their books. A drawing from the review entries is held each week at the three public libraries. Winners receive prizes generously donated by local businesses.

The Valley branch winner for this week is:

Keeley Rielly, age 6

Brownie and Pearl Step Out by Cynthia Rylant