Newsmakers, Nov. 27-Dec. 3, 2014

The National Society of High School Scholars announced in August that Western High School student Jamil Gonzalez was selected to be a member of the organization.

Air Force Airman Chelsea Marie Perez graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio. She is the daughter of Nancy and Laurence Perez of Las Vegas and is a 2014 graduate of East Career & Technical Academy.

Community Connections, the philanthropic arm of American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC, recognized the efforts of four Southern Nevada/Northwest Arizona teachers at a dinner Oct. 14. Local teachers were Jessica Hanaki of Beckley Elementary School, Miguel Chandia-Alarcon of Griffith Elementary School and Morgan Hammers of Sunrise Acres Elementary School.

United Way of Southern Nevada held its Community in Blue | Campaign Celebration 2014 event at the Rio Oct. 23. The event highlighted United Way’s recent community achievements and honored individuals, businesses and community partners who joined with United Way to collectively transform lives. The event recognized Southern Nevada Champion awards recipients:

Employee Campaign Coordinator of the Year: Linda Stinar

Corporate Leadership Society Award: NV Energy

Spirit of Southern Nevada: 8 News NOW

Labor Partner Award: National Association of Letter Carriers, Branch 2502

Young Philanthropists Society Award: Chelsie Campbell

Women’s Leadership Council Award: Deb Mele-Blanchard

Tocqueville Society Award: Diane Carlson and William Freyd

Volunteer of the Year: Greg Korte

Beacon Award: Wynn Las Vegas

Gold Level Corporate Impact Partners: Citibank, Enterprise Holdings, NV Energy

Silver Level Corporate Impact Partners: 8 News NOW, Boyd Gaming Corp., CenturyLink, UnitedHealthcare, UPS, US Bank, Wells Fargo and Wynn Las Vegas

Air Force Airman 1st Class Brandi F. Robb graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio. Robb is the daughter of Susan Murphy and the stepdaughter of William Murphy of Decatur, Tenn. The airman is the sister of Shaun Galey of Las Vegas.

Local companies teamed with community nonprofits on Make a Difference Day to give back in North Las Vegas. Bank of America had 25 employee volunteers work with Rebuilding Together to renovate two aging homes. In addition to volunteer hours, the company contributed more than $10,000 to the two projects.

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection presented its annual Wendell McCurry Excellence in Water Quality Award to Peggy Roefer on Oct. 28 in recognition of her leadership role in protecting and improving water resources in Southern Nevada.

Air Force Airman Adam M. Kennedy graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio. Kennedy is the son of Michael Kennedy of Pleasant Grove, Utah, and Heidi Finch of Roy, Utah, and grandson of Mona Leslie of Las Vegas.

Diamond Taylor of Las Vegas graduated from Saginaw Valley State University in University Center, Mich., in May.

Air Force Airman 1st Class Tawni L. Deboma graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio. Deboma is the daughter of Tracy and Jason Mellon of Las Vegas and is a 2009 graduate of Legacy High School.

Air Force Airman Seir Andrew U. Campo graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio. Campo is the son of Emelie and Gaudencio Campo of Henderson and is a 2012 graduate of Liberty High School.

Air Force Airman 1st Class Andre M. Roberson graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio. Roberson is the son of Thomas Torres and Monica Rodriguez of Henderson.

Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican has added six new members to its Community Board of Directors: Dr. Neel Dhudsia, Craig Johnson, Dr. Jennifer Raroque, Rory Reid, John Socha and Bruce Woodbury.

On Oct. 29, the Nevada Restaurant Association celebrated the state’s industry leaders at the annual Culinary Excellence Awards Gala. Winners, along with the finalists in six categories, were honored, and chef Andre Rochat received the Lifetime Achievement Award.