Newsmakers, Feb. 5-11, 2015

The Clean Energy Project has named Jennifer Taylor its new executive director. She took over for longtime founding executive director Lydia Ball on Feb. 1. Ball will continue with the organization in an executive consulting role. Taylor spent nearly 20 years as an environmental and construction defect attorney.

Walker Furniture was recently recognized on a local and statewide basis for the company’s contributions toward the American Legion’s efforts in promoting a higher quality of lifestyle for veterans in Southern Nevada. In January, Walker Furniture’s CEO, Larry Alterwitz, was presented with a certificate of appreciation from the American Legion Department of Nevada and was given a plaque of appreciation from the American Legion Paradise Post 149.

Las Vegas middle school student Zoe Luquette began wakeboarding roughly six months ago and has earned a place representing the United States at this year’s Pan-American Wakeboarding Championships, set for Feb. 10-15 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The St. Viator Catholic School eighth-grader was selected to compete in the championships by USA Wakeboard. In order to participate, Luquette needs to raise $6,500 to cover travel and entry fees. Visiti gofundme.com/kae9tk.

On Dec. 10, Mercedes-Benz USA presented the 2014 recipient of the J.D. Power Service Satisfaction Award to Doug Murray of Mercedes-Benz of Henderson. Murray was chosen from 36 of the top performers nationwide and has been working in the auto industry since 1978.

Dignity Health Medical Group welcomed Dr. Joseph Johnson to practice at its Henderson location near Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican’s Rose de Lima campus at 106 E. Lake Mead Parkway, Suite 104. A graduate of the University of Arkansas School of Medicine, Johnson served as a flight surgeon for the United States Air Force Thunderbirds.

Matt Polster, 21, defender and former player with the Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club and a Palo Verde High School graduate, was chosen Jan. 15 as the seventh pick in the first round of the 2015 Major League Soccer SuperDraft. When the MLS season begins this spring, his new home will be with the Chicago Fire.

Christian Volesky, 22, forward and former player with the Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club and a Foothill High School graduate, was chosen as the 11th pick in the second round of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. When the MLS season begins this spring, his new home will be with the Portland Timbers.

Taylor Paulson of Henderson and Syrina Lopez, Casey Andrews and Yifan Wang, all of Las Vegas, made Oklahoma University’s fall 2014 dean’s list.

Army Pvt. Maria J. Gonzalez-Patino graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. Gonzalez-Patino is the daughter of Hermila and Jose Gonzalez of Henderson and is a 2014 graduate of Foothill High School.

Katie Campo of Las Vegas was the recipient of the Cliff and Jeanne Papik Scholarship for the 2014-15 academic year at Black Hills State University in Spearfish, S.D.

Molly Beaudin of Henderson made the fall 2014 dean’s list at Lasell College in Newton, Mass.

On Jan. 10, during the 174th Attack Wing Hometown Heroes Salute ceremony for all units on the Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, N.Y., members of the New York Air National Guard, including Lt. Col. Clayton Marshall of Las Vegas, received recognition for their service in a combat zone.

Army Pvt. Cheyennea I. Ponder graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. Ponder is the daughter of Patrick P. Ponder of Las Vegas and is a 2012 graduate of Cimarron-Memorial High School.

Army Pvt. Jammie T. Howard graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. Howard is the daughter of Charles and Jammie Howard of Las Vegas and is a 2013 graduate of Spring Valley High School.

Brittany Legal of Las Vegas made the fall 2014 provost’s list at Troy University in Troy, Ala.

Army Pvt. Jacob D. Gavin graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. Gavin is the son of Mark P. Gavin of Henderson and is a 2014 graduate of Basic High School.

Army Pvt. Paul W. Ion graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. Ion is the son of Jolyn Armstrong of Montrose, Colo., and Wayne K. Ion of Las Vegas. He is a 2013 graduate of Cimarron-Memorial High School.

Army Pvt. Julio C. Valencia graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. Valencia is the stepson of Miguel and Mila Pulido of Las Vegas.

Army Pvt. Christopher M. James graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. James is the son of Michael James of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Nicole Kitt of Las Vegas and stepson of Derrick Wilson of Las Vegas. He is a 2009 graduate of Desert Rose Adult High School.

Area students who made the fall honor roll at Spokane Falls Community College in Spokane, Wash., include James Forehand, Mary Collins, Debbie Rowlands, Brett Neighbors, Alice Lilly and Brandon Richards, all of Las Vegas.