Ark Valley News - Highlights

Highlights
Last Updated: March 12, 2015

Jill Seidl, a senior at Valley Center High School, was awarded Kansas State University's Foundation Scholarship during ceremonies March 2 at K-State. Pat Bosco, vice president for Student Life and Dean of Students, presented the award.

During K-State's annual Scholarship Day, students and their parents were guests of the university at a banquet. Throughout the day, they attended meetings with academic deans and student life officials.

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Marcus Florez, a senior majoring in chemistry from Bel Aire, recently received an award from the nation's largest STEM diversity conference. He was recognized with a 2014 SACNAS Student Presentation Award at the organization's conference this fall. SACNAS is the Society for Advancement of Hispanics/Chicanos and Native Americans in Science.

Florez was the only student from a Kansas university to receive recognition and was among 99 awardees selected from more than 900 student presentations. The student presentation award recognizes students for exceptional communication skills and command of their research topics. Alzheimer's disease is Florez's research interest.

SACNAS was founded more than 40 years ago to unify and offer guidance to Hispanics/Chicanos and Native Americans in the STEM fields. The national conference attracts nearly 4,000 students and professionals.

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Several area students were recognized by Emporia State University for their academic achievements during the fall 2014 semester.

Named to the honor roll were: Elayna Coleman of Valley Center; Shane Garrison and Taylor Moseley, both of Kechi; Meghan Shave of Park City; and Shelby Marten and Catherine Pinnell, both of Wichita.

Named to dean's lists were (listed by name, their major and the list each was named to): Garrison, Accounting, School of Business; Moseley, Music Education, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; Shave, Elementary Education, Teachers College; and Pinnell, Elementary Education, Teachers College.

Marten and Moseley were also honored for achieving a 3.5 or higher grade point average during their first semester of college.

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Air Force Airman Cory J. LaPierre graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

LaPierre is the son of Debra and Jeremy LaPierre of Valley Center. He is a 2014 graduate of Valley Center High School.