HIES Senior lands radio concert. 19-year-old cellist Wick Simmons, a senior at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School is headed to Northwestern University to study music and hopes toward becoming a professional musician.

But before he goes, he’ll be a featured musician on “From the Top” on NPR, a showcase for young musicians. He will tape Ravel’s “Kaddish” at the University of Georgia’s Hugh Hodgson Hall on March 3. The show will air at a later date. Hosted by pianist Christopher O'Riley, the weekly show reaches more than 700,000 listeners on 200 stations.

Simmons received the Anthony Quinn Foundation Scholarship to study music last summer. In their announcement letter, judges commented in part: “Wick is an amazingly talented cellist with unmistakable talent and a palpable passion for his music. He has remarkable stage presence and a gift for connecting with his audience as well as his fellow performers.”

“In the back of my head I have been dreaming about being on the show since the seventh or eighth grade,” said Simmons. “I finally got around to auditioning during the summer. Then they emailed me in January asking if I had any pieces I would like for them to listen to. I sent them one and they asked me if I wanted to appear on the show.”

Jewels Galore. Spruill will open its students and instructor Jewelry Market on Sunday.

The fifth annual show is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 24 at the Spruill Education Center at 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road.

The fundraising event showcases beginning- to professional-level jewelry artists who will sell their unique handcrafted jewelry to the public.

Admission is free and selections will include precious metals, glass, beads, gemstones, and more.

Birthday present reversal. When Sidney Johnson’s 11th birthday came around, her mind was on presents, but not for herself.

Anxious to be a part of efforts to reach out to families affected by the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary, Sidney requested that her friends join her for a party, but with gifts that could be donated to others.

A student at Kittredge Magnet School, Sidney and friends delivered a stack of new toys and games to the United Methodist Children’s Home in Decatur, in honor of Sandy Hook.

Happy Family? Here are the secrets.

New York Times’ bestselling Author Bruce Feiler will discuss his book, “The Secrets of Happy Families” on Feb. 28 at the Marcus Jewish Community Center.

A columnist on contemporary families, Feiler will discuss his ideas for morning routine, family dinners, punishments and more.

Feiler will speak from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Tickets range from $8 to $13 and are available by calling the box office at 678-812-4005.

picketfence@bellsouth.net

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