• During the Oct. 5-7 Circle City Classic weekend,14 IPS scholar-athletes were recognized for their academic achievement at the annual NCAA Coaches Luncheon at Lucas Oil Stadium. Jamonte Hampton and Kimberly Graves, Broad Ripple Magnet High School for the Arts and Humanities.

• The Spirit of Broad Ripple Marching Band finished second in the Circle Classic Parade on Oct. 6. More than 100,000 people packed downtown Indianapolis for the annual fall parade. "The kids have much to be proud of. Many of them were fighting colds, and this was the first weekend of the fall break, so we could not be happier," said Broad Ripple Band Director Thomas Ewigleben. An unexpected second "win" came when, due to a delay in the schedule, Broad Ripple was asked by event organizers to play again. Ewigleben then invited the Blue Devils band from Shortridge Magnet High School for Law and Public Policy to join the Rockets in a selection performed together. The combined Broad Ripple-Shortridge band lined up, danced and played to a thrilled crowd.

• Broad Ripple Magnet High School for the Arts and Humanities sophomore donated prize money he won from a talent contest to the school band program. Bryan Thompson, a saxophone player in the Broad Ripple Band, finished third in the Indiana Talent Showcase held earlier this year. Thompson received his $250 third place prize money in early October and promptly gave the money to the band program. "This is indicative to the type of students we have at Broad Ripple. They care about their school Not many teenagers would be this selfless. We congratulate and thank Bryan for his act of kindness," Principal Mike Akers said.

• Congratulations to those students who participated in The Link's Celebration of the Arts on Saturday. Junior Andrea Martinez received a third place award and 8th grader LizBeth Rojas won first place in the middle school division. Congratulations Rockets!

• Congratulations to the 2012~2013 Performance Season Broad Ripple Dance Ensemble Full Company Members: Turiya Vorhis, Daijon McDowell, VaJaun Savage, Koby Bluitt, Keaire Davis, Dionna Wilcoxson, Aniyuah Owens, Brige Byndum, Andrea Burnett-Sircy, Courtney Clark, Tamyra Davis, and Courtney Chatman. Congratulations also to Apprentice Members: Alexis Thomas, Jasmyne Garnett, Toriana Buckner, Tiana Johnson, Rayanna Wilburn, Sheniah Willis, Kenyatta Franklin, and Asia Hopson.

• Congratulations to the Broad Ripple Wrestling Team for placing 3 wrestlers in the finals of the Booneville High School Invitational. Jordan Clay finished 1st place in the Heavyweight Division with a 5-0 record. He was also a finalist for the outstanding wrestler award. Stacey Williams finished in 2nd place in the 182 pound weight class with a 4-1 record. And Mushon Scott finished in 2nd place in the 126 pound weight class with a 4-1 record. Other wrestlers competing included Seniors Tyler Brown and David Lloyd. Sophomore Solomon Mawbury and Freshman Reggie Serviano made their wrestling debuts. The team showed great potential. Congrats on a job well done. Any high school or middle school students wishing to join the wrestling team should see Coach Clemmons or Coach Moore in the wrestling room after school.