Kids and crayons have been more rewarding to Valarie Price than her 20 years in the banking and finance industry.

The Mason woman, a site manager for Medallion School Partnerships, Blue Ash, recently received the Child Development Associate Credential in recognition of her outstanding work with children.

She took her training at the Tutor Time Learning Centers, West Chester. The credential was awarded by the Council of Professional Recognition, Washington.

"As a child, I was blessed with several elementary teachers who nurtured me like I was one of their own," Price said.

Price said she has a desire to give to other children what was given to her by instilling in them the value of learning.

Candidates are observed working with young children or families by an early childhood professional and must demonstrate the ability to work with families to develop children's physical and intellectual capabilities.

"I think the emptiness syndrome kicked in after spending most of her life in corporate America," said her husband, Sterling Price, director of work force development at the Urban League of Greater Cincinnati.

Valarie Price is on the board of directors of the Sickle Cell Awareness Group and has started a sickle cell ministry at her church, Mount Zion Methodist in Woodlawn.

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A bone marrow drive will be held for Randy Turner from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in the front lobby at Princeton High School, 11080 Chester Road, Sharonville.

Turner has been diagnosed with leukemia.

For more information, call Tamera Cortes, 733-4939; Edwin Cortes, 470-9082; or Vanessa Edmonds, 769-3225.

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Purple Heart Day will be atnoon Aug. 7 on Fountain Square, honoring Purple Heart recipients.

The event is sponsored by Cincinnati Chapter 156 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and Fifth Third Bank.

Allen Howard's "Some Good News" column runs Sunday-Friday. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements, or people who are uplifting to the Tristate, let him know at 768-8362, at ahoward@enquirer.com or by fax at 768-8340.