Campbell residents Semhar Gerbrat and Jessica Rozhin, who attend Rolling Hills Middle School, are attending Tech Trek Science Camp this summer at Stanford University thanks to the Los Gatos­Saratoga branch of the American Association of University Women.

In memory of Jack Boyd, the girls received scholarships to the camp, which focuses on math and science. The summer experience was developed to enhance self-confidence and excitement in these disciplines. The camp is geared toward young girls entering eighth grade in the fall.

The students will stay at the campus, giving them an opportunity to live as college students for a week. The girls will also interact with women who incorporate a high degree of science, mathematics and computer expertise into their daily lives.

Lupus co-leader's
efforts acklowledged

Campbell resident Mary Kate Franci, who is battling lupus and is an active Lupus Foundation subchapter co-leader in the Bay Area, was recognized by the Lupus Foundation of Northern California.

Lupus Foundation of Northern California Executive Director Jo Dewhirst acknowledged Franci's leadership role and her efforts to significantly increase membership in her local support group during a two-day training session on June 5 that brought together affiliate chapters from throughout the state.

Lupus is an acute and chronic inflammatory disease that causes the immune system to become hyperactive and attack the body's own healthy tissue and organs. The disease is hard to diagnose and difficult to live with.

The foundation has semiannual conferences that feature physician speakers, bilingual educational classes and youth- and minority-outreach programs.

For more information on the Lupus Foundation of Northern California, call 408.954.8600 or toll-free 800-523-3363 or visit the website www. balf.org.

Business honored for its strong sales

Texas-based signage franchise FASTSIGNS International honored Steve and Annette Ladowitz, owners of the FASTSIGNS sign and graphic center in Campbell, for having one of the highest gross sales in 2003 of all of its stores in the United States.

More than 450 owners and employees from FASTSIGN stores in the United States and abroad attended the four-day conference where they were recognized for their efforts. The franchise has locations worldwide.

The Ladowitzes have owned their sign and graphics business for 13 years. Their store is located in Hamilton Plaza at Bascom and Hamilton avenues.