Michael Colvin, Lawrence, attended the National Endowment for the Humanities Tolkien Institute at Texas A&M University-Commerce in July and August. The institute consisted of presentations, class discussions and a poetry-writing workshop. Colvin teaches mathematics at Lawrence Alternative High School, where he is a department chairman.

• Douglas and Jacquelyn Phillips, Kinloss, Scotland, announce the birth of twins, Claire Melissa Phillips and Iain Lucas Phillips, born Aug. 22, 2004, in Kinloss, Scotland. Maternal grandparents are Arnold Weiss, Lawrence, and Sharon Budd, Seattle. Paternal grandparents are Frank and Liz Phillips, Edinburgh, Scotland.
• Scott and Cady Bush, Lawrence, announce the birth of a son, Hayden Scott Bush, born Aug. 17, 2004, in Overland Park. Maternal grandparents are Frank and Shelley Diehl, Lawrence, and Jim and Hallie White, Tucson, Ariz. Paternal grandparents are Mike and Tena Bush, Lawrence. Great-grandparents are Betty Born, Topeka; Norman White, Brandon, Miss.; Nina Diehl, Alma, and Elaine Bongar, Tucson, Ariz.
• Andy and Diane Vigna, Lawrence, announce the birth of their son, Tyler James Vigna, born Aug. 14, 2004, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Paternal grandparents are Richard and Sandy Vigna, Lawrence. Maternal grandparents are Wayne and Ida Sundling, Republic, Mo.
• Hayley Scheetz and Will Connelly, South Junior High School students, have been selected to attend the 2004 National Junior Leaders conference in Washington, D.C. They were chosen based on their academic achievement and community involvement.
• Katy Taul, Baldwin, participated in the Southwest Missouri State University Cheer Camp in Springfield, Mo., as a member of the Fort Scott Community College dance team. The team received four superior and four excellent ribbons in the final competition.