Birdies: By Robin Lea, principal of Union Pines High School, and Bridget Johnson, fifth-grade teacher at Vass-Lakeview Elementary School, for being named among eight regional finalists in their respective fields for Principal and Teacher of the Year Awards. Both of these educators represent a high level of excellence and are richly deserving of these honors.

Birdie: By Ricki Lasky, director of sales and client services, and her colleagues at Pinehurst Championship Management for posting a record-setting $3 million in corporate hospitality sales for this summer's U.S. Women's Open at Pine Needles. Even six months before the gates open, this event has already bested all others. Way to go, Ricki and company.