Roses to Dr. Myron S. Cohen, a UNC professor whose work on HIV was named 2011's biggest scientific breakthrough by the prestigious journal Science.

Cohen, the director of the UNC Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, is the principal investigator in a study that found that early treatment with antiviral drugs sharply cut the risk that infected patients will transmit HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The discovery could dramatically slow the spread of the disease.

Science named the study, which Cohen designed and organized, its Breakthrough of the Year. The results, the journal said, "have galvanized efforts to end the world's AIDS epidemic in a way that would have been inconceivable even a year ago."

It's a breathtaking achievement, and we're hopeful that the work of Cohen and his fellow researchers will lead to profound advances in the battle against this terrible disease.

Roses to Nate FitzSimons of Boy Scout Troop 39, whose Eagle Scout project drew the grateful appreciation of residents in the Piney Mountain Road neighborhood.

Nate's Eagle Scout project, called "Tyres Out," involved clearing more than 70 discarded automobile tires and an old rusted refrigerator out of a wooded area near Piney Mountain Road and Collinson Drive. He and his troop mates also helped paint a metal railing that separates the sidewalk from a potentially perilous ravine.

As one appreciative neighbor made clear by writing to us about the project, Nate and company restored a lovely natural area to its proper condition and left the place in much better shape than they found it.

Roses to the Chapel Hill High School Key Club, whose winter coat drive collected more than 200 coats to be distributed, through the Inter-Faith Council for Social Service, to those in need.

The bulk of the donations came from CHHS faculty and students, who cleared out closets and storage rooms to give gently used jackets and coats a new home.

We've been fortunate to have a mild winter so far. But this week things turn arctic, so warm clothing is much in demand. Thanks to the Key Club and those who participated, a lot of local children and adults will be much better protected from the elements.

Roses to Cedar Ridge High School teacher Keith Yow and his Advanced Furniture and Cabinet-Making class who scored top honors at a national trade show competition in Las Vegas.

At the 2011 Fresh Wood Student Competition, senior Elias Schultz won first place in the case work category for his "Bombecious," a nontraditional Bombe chest. Senior Tyler Spierdowis took second in the same category for his TV stand, "Atlantic Breakfront."

Senior Cole Leesnitzer took third-place in the table category for "Bent on Walnut" table. Yow received the Outstanding Instructor Award. His students not only win awards but graduate with exceptional skills and career opportunities.