5 Things You Need to Know Today: May 19

Here is a list of 5 things you need to know today:

1. More Grey Skies: According to the National Weather Service, today will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 70 degrees. There will be scattered showers with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Patchy fog before 8:00 a.m. Tonight the showers and thunderstorms will continue with mostly cloudy skies and a low around 57 degrees.

2. Teen Scientist: 16-year-old Allison Ruchman with the help of her 6-year-old beagle has already completed a medical study that has been recognized by top doctors across the nation. On top of being a student at , Ruchman also has trained her pup Wally to be a therapy dog and visits the hospital every weekend to conduct research. The duo developed a study that says that pet therapy before a MRI can help reduce patient stress and produce better image results. Patch got to meet this incredible high schooler and talk about all of her accomplishments. Click to watch a video about Wally the therapy dog and Ally’s medical research.

3. Educator of the Year: Dr. Suzanne Fico was recognized by Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) as their 2010-2011 Education of the Year. The high school's PTSA presented Fico with her award at a faculty meeting on May 18. The award is well deserved as Dr. Susanne Fico wears many hats. She is the Student Assistance Counselor, the RFH Core Team Coordinator, Educational Initiative Liason, head of Project Prom and Peer Leadership and Straight Edge Advisor. Click to read more about Dr. Fico and her accomplishments at RFH.

4. Post Prom Parties: The RFH Senior prom is a little over a week away and the Junior Prom is only a day away. With the little time that is left, the Post-Prom Committee is working on collecting donations, finishing up last minutes details and getting everything ready for the big events. The committees have raised over $9,000 for each of the events. The purpose of post prom is to give the students a safe option for after prom activities and to hopefully keep them out of trouble. The school cafeteria and gym will be filled with prizes, food and fun from 11:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m. If you are interested in donated to the post proms, contact Meg Briggs at Megrick87@verizon.net.

5. Surfs Up:  The Boys and Girls Club of Monmouth County is offering the community a chance to win a brand new surfboard, just in time for the start of the summer season. The organization is selling just 250 raffle tickets for the drawing. Tickets cost $20 per chance and all of the proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Monmouth County. The drawing will take place on Friday, May 27 at the Rotary Club of Asbury Park's Wine Tasting Dinner. The winner need not be present to win. For more information or to purchase tickets, call Connie at 732-775-7862.