Category: Freelance Articles

Fishers High School student honored by governor

Originally appeared here 8/23/2019

A.J. Valerio, a junior at Fishers High School, completed his Eagle Scout requirements in January and was formally honored June 2 at the Indiana Governor’s Mansion during a court of honor ceremony. 

Valerio had a chance encounter with Gov. Eric Holcomb in 2017 at the Indy 500 when the two were seated next to each other. They discussed Holcomb’s U.S. Navy service and AJ’s desire to become an Eagle Scout. 

Valerio

“The governor showed a genuine interest in A.J. and his work toward Eagle Scout,” said Jody Valerio, A.J.’s father. “He told him if he ever earned it he could hold his court of honor at the Governor’s Mansion.” 

A.J. worked with the City of Fishers to identify an area of need for his service project. He tore down and restored a shed in Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve that had been destroyed by nature and animals. 

“He also wanted to put in a bench where people could sit and enjoy nature,” Jody said. 

Achieving Eagle Scout rank from the Boy Scouts of America is no small feat. According to the organization, only 4 percent of Scouts earn the distinction after a lengthy review process. The task is difficult for any Scout, but A.J. has a cognitive learning disability.

“I’m beyond words,” Jody said. “I’m so proud of him. He did every requirement mainstream. There were no special exceptions for him.” 

A.J. is proud of his accomplishment and the hard work it took to achieve.

“I feel really good about it,” he said. 

A.J. received congratulations from Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness.

“The City of Fishers is proud of A.J. Valerio, who has earned the achievement of Eagle Scout rank. His dedication to community and service was evident in the work he did at Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve that will have a lasting impact for all who visit,” Fadness stated in a press release. “We congratulate A.J., and we know his journey is just beginning.”

Artist chosen for Penrod

Originally appeared here 9/3/2019

Artists find inspiration in many different places. Artist Pam Niccum, whose works in fused glass, draws from everyday life for inspiration.

Her objects are created by fusing pieces of glass together in a kiln.

Niccum

“Inspiration comes from everywhere,” Niccum said. “I have created pieces based on current events, something I see in nature, thoughts during a run or a conversation. Dreams are also an abundant source of ideas.”

The Carmel resident is one of 350 artists who will showcase their work at the 53rd Annual Somerset CPAs and Advisors Penrod Arts Fair from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 7 at Newfields in Indianapolis.

“It’s an honor to be chosen for Penrod,” Niccum said. “The quality of the work from the other artists is also very high, and that makes for a better show. The artists are all of the same stature. The crowd is also really fun and dedicated art lovers.”

Niccum describes her work as contemporary. She also creates commissioned pieces.

Artist Pam Niccum will display her artwork at the 53rd Annual Somerset CPAs and Advisors Penrod Arts Fair from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 7. (Submitted photo)

“My work is unique, and all my pieces are one-of-a-kind,” Niccum said. “Guests may come and see something they like but not in the colors I used. They’ll ask if I can create it with a different color scheme, so a lot of my work is custom orders.”

Niccum has participated in Penrod since 2006.

“It took a while for me to have enough pieces and develop enough confidence in my work to apply,” Niccum said. “It’s such an honor, and it’s thrilling. It doesn’t matter how many times you apply. It validates all the hard work.”

Tickets are $15 and are available at penrod.org. View Niccum’s work at @pamniccumglass on Facebook.