Today we pause to acknowledge the people and groups who make the Central Susquehanna Valley a better place to call home. Readers may nominate individuals for recognition by e-mailing the identity of the nominee and a brief description of his or her outstanding action. Write to: jfinnerty@dailyitem.com.

A tip of the hat to Brooks High, 14, a Mifflinburg Area High School freshman who is working on an apt Eagle Scout project -- creating a rehabilitation shelter for injured birds of prey. High is building the structure at T&D's Cats of the World. The Penns Creek refuge provides shelter and care for a menagerie -- from tigers and large cats, to deer and skunks. Operators said when the refuge has received injured birds, they have provided care for the animals but have no location specifically designed to house them.

High's efforts, augmented by community donation, should change that.

... and to Sister M. John Vianney, of Sts. Cyril and Methodius in Danville, who has been working with nuns from Kansas to produce a documentary to spotlight the persecution suffered by women in religious orders under Soviet rule. Sisters Margaret Nacke and Mary Savoie learned of the under-appreciated chapter of history while they were doing missionary work to re-establish churches in Eastern Europe after the collapse of the former Soviet Union. Sister Vianney, of Danville, is fluent in the Slovakian language and traveled to Eastern Europe to help Sisters Nacke and Savoie work on the project. She called the experience "life-changing."

The efforts of Sister Vianney and her peers will serve as a reminder of the heroic struggles of women who would not let an oppressive regime undermine their faith. It is a story that will likely have resonance for the many residents who treasure their religious faith as an important and fulfilling part of life.

... and to Sunbury native W. James Young, 45, who today is scheduled to appear before the U.S. Supreme Court as an attorney representing a group of 20 state employees who object to the way their compulsory union dues are used. Young is a 1982 graduate of Shikellamy High School.

Residents may disagree over the merits of the case Young will argue today, but there should be little dispute about the significance of Young's court appearance.

Imagine the hoopla if a Shik grad reached the NFL, the NBA or the Major Leagues. Is this occasion comparable? It seems so.