Newsmakers, April 30-May 6, 2015

Sebastian Robert Jones, 12, a seventh-grader at Rogich Middle School, was recently chosen as a finalist in the Do the Write Thing national essay writing contest for his essay on bullying. He is the son of Jon and Nicole Jones of Las Vegas.

City National Bank announced in March that John Wilcox, Nevada regional executive, has been appointed to the 17-member advisory board of Touro University Nevada.

Adelson Campus senior Brenna R. Mishlove was named in March as a finalist in the 2015 United States Presidential Scholars Program.

Dr. Jennifer Burke opened her solo optometric practice, ClearVision Eye Center, 4175 S. Grand Canyon Drive, on March 23. Burke grew up in the Summerlin area.

The Elizabeth Dole Foundation announced that Heidi Woodring of Las Vegas has been selected for the 2015 class of military and veteran caregivers chosen for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation Fellows program.

The University of Idaho College of Engineering, in conjunction with the University of Idaho Alumni Association, announced in March that Virginia Bax Valentine, a 1980 civil engineering graduate, was a 2015 Silver and Gold Award recipient. Bax Valentine spent nearly 20 years working as a professional engineer in the greater Las Vegas area on flood control, water resources, land planning and infrastructure projects. The Silver and Gold Award recognizes living alumni who have a distinguished record of achievement and/or service in their specialized area of endeavor, thus bringing honor and recognition to the university.

Metropolitan Fashion Week announced in March the 2015 International Designer of the Year recipient, Las Vegas designer David Tupaz.

Air Force Airman 1st Class Michael Ryan G. Pribhdas graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio. He is a 2011 graduate of Desert Oasis High School.

Emma Johnson of Henderson made the fall 2014 honor roll at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kan.

The following students made the fall 2014 dean’s list at Washington University in St. Louis: Eric Andrew Magliarditi, Madison Taylor Blau and Gianna Santoro, all of Las Vegas, and Yujin Seo of Henderson.

Army Pvt. Shane W. Garcia Mollicone graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. Garcia Mollicone is the grandson of John and Lorraine Mollicone of Las Vegas and is a 2014 graduate of Liberty High School.

Army Pvt. Kevin B. Pimentel graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. Pimentel is the son of Kasita Vasquez of Las Vegas and is a 2014 graduate of Clark High School.

Air Force Airman Ricardo D. Arzadon graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio. Arzadon is the son of Andria B. and Ricardo D. Arzadon of North Las Vegas. He is a 2013 graduate of Legacy High School.

Air Force Airman 1st Class Siree A. Contreras graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio. She is a 2014 graduate of Rancho High School.

Army Pvt. Christian Nicole Nicolas graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. Nicolas is the son of Myrene and Roland Nicolas of Las Vegas.

Army Pvt. Clifton J. Valentino graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. Valentino is the nephew of Farrah Miguel of North Las Vegas and is a 2013 graduate of Legacy High School.

Air Force Airman Bradley A. Dezoete graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio. Dezoete is the son of Terri A. Dezoete of Las Vegas and Robert J. Dezoete of Grove, Okla. He is a 2007 graduate of Silverado High School.