Salem Student Wins Name Contest
          

The United Way of Roanoke Valley mascot formerly known as Helping Hand has a new name suggested by a Salem resident.

Rachel Barnes, a new graduate of Oak Grove School in Roanoke County, was one of four students to submit the name "Hi-Five" in a contest among students in local schools where the mascot has appeared. United Way volunteers Jean Glontz and Lucy Walton, who developed and present a character education program with the mascot, held a drawing to award $50 to one student.Other awards of $100 went to Oak Grove Guidance staff member Karen Wood and Angela Dean, Barnes’ classroom teacher, for purchasing classroom materials. All awards were presented by Glontz during the school’s year-end awards assembly on June 8.Hi-Five is a larger-than-life hand costume underwritten by Allstate Insurance Company and branded with the familiar United Way symbol of a rainbow, hand and person. When students spot the mascot and say, "United Way helps people," they receive a small treat.

United Way makes Hi-Five available to area school systems under its Youth Initiative to educate and encourage young people in service to others. For more information call United Way of Roanoke at 777-4200, ext. 4207. Information and the program text are also at www.uwrv.org online.