Newsmakers, Feb. 19-25, 2015

Zachary M. F. Sanchez, 14, is a freshman attending Advanced Technologies Academy. On Jan. 15, Sanchez became an Eagle Scout with Troop 555. He is the son of Nelson Brambley and Linda Sanchez-Brambley.

Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman and the Las Vegas City Council named Lexie Wilder as the February Citizen of the Month for her active role as a volunteer. Her volunteer efforts include an annual toy drive for foster children as well as recycling towels and bathmats from local hotels for animals at local shelters. She was also selected by Fox 5 and Fairway Chevrolet as a Shining Star. Lexie was also recently named among the top two Nevada youth volunteers of 2015 by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a nationwide program. Her mother is Tammy Wilder of Las Vegas.

The Nevada Restaurant Association held its 32nd annual Meeting of the Members Jan. 15 at Texas de Brazil in Town Square Las Vegas. The event inducted new board directors and executive officers and recognized outgoing board members and committee members. Sebastien Silvestri of The Venetian and the Palazzo was elected as chairman of the board; Matt Erickson of SLS Las Vegas was elected as vice chairman of restaurants; Todd Ansteth of McCormick & Schmick’s was elected secretary/treasurer; and Brett Sutton of Sutton Hague Law Corp. was elected vice chairman of allieds. Ed Lepere of Lawry’s The Prime Rib received a gavel plaque for his two terms as chairman of the board, and Jim Rees of Hash House A Go Go and Raja Majid of Origin India received the distinction of directors emeriti for their service with the association.

Create A Change Now, a local charity teaching at-risk students how to plant, grow and cook fresh, healthy meals in order to prevent childhood obesity, recently announced three new positions to the organization. The titles include former COO of the organization, Melissa Blynn, taking the role of executive director; former board member Mindy Tatti serving as development director; and Julie Sanders as program manager.

Touro University Nevada announced the appointment of Raymond W. Alden III, Ph.D., as provost at the Henderson campus. Alden comes to the university from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Ill., where he is vice president for international affairs.

Army Pvt. Jemel C. Lewis has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Benning, Ga. Lewis is the son of Pamela R. Lambey and Clifford A. Lewis of North Las Vegas. He is a 2014 graduate of Shadow Ridge High School.

Caesars Entertainment’s president of operations Tom Jenkin has set a challenge to lose at least 30 pounds by March 31. To boost his weight loss motivation, Jenkin has aimed to raise $50,000 for Opportunity Village by leading a campaign that will donate funds to the local nonprofit for each pound he loses. Supporters are encouraged to donate on his Crowdrise page until March 31. Visit crowdrise.com/tomjenkinchallenge and click on the “Donate” button at the top of the page.

Kristin Schulz of Las Vegas made the fall 2014 dean’s list at Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa.

The Board of Directors of the Kenny Guinn Center for Policy Priorities announced the appointment to the board of Susie Lee, board president of Communities In Schools. Lee has previously served on the Guinn Center’s Advisory Council.

The National League of Cities, a resource and advocate for America’s cities and towns, has appointed Henderson Mayor Andy Hafen chairman of its 2015 Finance, Administration & Intergovernmental Relations Committee and Henderson City Councilwoman Gerri Schroder as a member of it 2015 Community and Economic Development Steering Committee. The one-year appointments were announced Jan. 20 by NLC president Ralph E. Becker, mayor of Salt Lake City.

Andreis Castronova of Henderson and Johnathan Khumnark of Las Vegas made the fall 2014 dean’s list at the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio.

Justin Alex Chen of Henderson made the fall 2014 dean’s list at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, R.I.

Victoria Hart of Las Vegas made the fall 2014 dean’s list at Westminster College in Fulton, Mo.

Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire announced that the following students have achieved academic honors during the fall 2014 term: Alexandria M. Shook, Hector G. Cruz, Matthew S. Hambacher, Kyland R. Narcisse, Rachel M. Baxter, Andrew P. Poggione, Erik G. Carlson and Majestic R. Terhune, all of Las Vegas; Tierra S. McClain and Antigone R. Clark of North Las Vegas; and Max W. Larnerd of Henderson.

Matthew Hatch of North Las Vegas graduated from Black Hills State University in Spearfish, S.D.

Chase Leaders of Las Vegas made the 2014 fall semester dean’s list at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio.