Newsmakers, July 17-23, 2014

Mikayla Kelly, a graduate of St. Viator School, was recently crowned Miss Jr. Teen Nevada United States 2014. She will go to Washington, D.C., to compete for the national title against other girls 13 to 15 years old in July. During her yearlong reign, she will make appearances throughout the state and raise awareness about her personal platform, food allergies with the support of FARE: Food Allergy Research & Education.

The Clark County Medical Society announced the 2014 recipients of its Winged Heart Award and the Student Rising Star Award. Local nurse Janet Maran and Cure 4 The Kids Foundation, a local nonprofit, are the 2014 Winged Heart Award recipients. This year’s recipients of the Student Rising Star Award are Ori DeVera from Touro University Nevada and Elizabeth Telles-Richardson from University of Nevada School of Medicine.

Seaman Apprentice Deun Parks, a yeoman from Las Vegas, is serving aboard the USS Ohio Gold Crew in the U.S. Navy, one of the country’s most advanced submarines.

Dignity Health Medical Group, affiliated with the Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican hospital system, welcomed Dr. Amy Darukhanavala (“Dr. Daru”) to practice at its Dream Fund Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic in Henderson. Daru completed her training in Pediatric Endocrinology at the University of Chicago and has been practicing in Southern Nevada for two years.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew Cancio, a missile technician from Las Vegas, is serving aboard the USS Alabama Blue Crew in the U.S. Navy, one of the world’s most advanced submarines.

The Folklife Program of the Nevada Arts Council named Las Vegas residents Gary and Sheldeen Haleamau as recipients of the 2015 Nevada Heritage Award. The Haleamaus are recognized for preserving, perpetuating and presenting their native Hawaiian culture throughout Nevada.

Sgt. Damien Lujan is returning to Las Vegas after six years in the Army. He deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan with the 3rd Ranger Batalion. The husband of Yolanda Lujan, he is a 2008 graduate of Del Sol High School and has been admitted to the UNLV kinesiology program.

Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Portia S. Gonzales graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio. Gonzales is the daughter of Risha and Eduardo Gonzales of Las Vegas and is a 2010 graduate of Mojave High School.

Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Ashley D. Royster graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio. Royster is the daughter of Kimberlita Span of Henderson and Dennis Royster Sr. of Matteson, Ill. She is a 2006 graduate of Canyon Springs High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in 2012 from the University of Nevada, Reno.

The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada named Diana Bennett, Wynn Resorts, Fred Keeton, HRC Las Vegas Steering Committee and David “Bootsy Carmichael” Heckman and Rob Haggard as The Center Honors recipients for 2014.

The Nevada Youth Soccer Association Hall of Fame announced its inductees for 2014: Victor Arbalaez and Rich Welsh, recognized for their dedication toward the growth and development of youth soccer in Nevada. Arbalaez died in October 2007, and Welsh died in March 2013, both from health complications.

City Lights Artists’ Co-op announced Katy L. Poole as the recipient of a 2014 $1,000 scholarship. The City Lights Scholarship is awarded to a deserving student who plans to pursue a career in the visual arts. A recent graduate of Silverado High School, Poole was recommended by her art teacher, Karen Heater. She plans to attend classes at the College of Southern Nevada this fall.

Ryan Williams of Henderson earned spring 2014 Faculty Honors at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta.

Sitong Huang and Kristine Jones of Las Vegas made the spring 2014 Dean’s List at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta.

Drew Redmond of Henderson graduated from Centre College in Danville, Ky., May 25. Redmond is the son of Pierre and Laurie Redmond of Henderson.

Lauren Simpson of Las Vegas graduated from Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Paul McKay of Henderson and Shelby Nelson of Las Vegas were named to the spring 2014 Dean’s List at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. McKay is the son of Elizabeth and Warren McKay. Nelson is the daughter of Daniel and Joyce Nelson.

Army National Guard Pvt. Arthur D. Nafarrete has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. Nafarrete is the son of Chona Nafarrete of Las Vegas and is a 2012 graduate of Liberty High School.

Air Force Airman Edwin B. Pagdilao graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio. Pagdilao is the son of Eva Mabandos of Las Vegas and is a 2012 graduate of Arbor View High School.

Christina Bloom, daughter of Jeffrey and Joie Bloom of Henderson, made the spring 2014 dean’s list at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn.