Newsmakers, Sept. 11-17, 2014

Wendy Pimentel, a senior at Art Institute of Las Vegas, experienced a four-day educational immersion into the New York City dining industry through a program created in partnership with the Epicurean Charitable Foundation and New York-based restaurant software leader Avero LLC. As part of the Avero New York City Restaurant Education Experience, Pimentel learned from leading chefs, managers, restaurateurs and hoteliers.

Sigma Alpha Lambda has announced that Troy Denzel Posey of North Las Vegas is a member of Sigma Alpha Lambda National Leadership and Honors Organization at the New Mexico State University. Sigma Alpha Lambda is a national leadership and honors organization dedicated to promoting and rewarding academic achievement.

Air Force Airman Ira L. Kenner graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio. Kenner is the son of Ira L. Kenner of North Las Vegas and is a 2013 graduate of Shadow Ridge High School.

Emylia Nicole Terry, daughter of Susan Lucia-Terry and Norman Terry, graduated magna cum laude from the UNLV Honors College with a 4.0 grade point average. Terry earned three bachelor’s degrees — history, psychology and women’s studies — and a minor in sociology. She plans to study law.

Alexandra Bailey, daughter of John Bailey and Teri Thomas of Las Vegas and a junior at The Meadows School, has been selected to participate in the Resident Honors Program at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. This fall, Bailey will become one of 15 students selected from a nationwide search to participate in this competitive early-entrance honors program. She has been awarded a Trustee Scholarship from USC.

Anjali Nigam, daughter of Swadeep Nigam and Archna Nigam, graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a doctorate in occupational therapy. Her brother Nikhail Nigam graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science from American University in Washington, D.C. Nikhail is now enrolled in a master’s program at American University. Anjali and Nikhail graduated from Silverado High School.

Army Pvt. Tiara Veal has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. Veal is the daughter of Jacqueline Veal of Phoenix and Cyrus Veal of Las Vegas. She is a 2012 graduate of Sunrise Mountain High School.

Justin Chen of Henderson made the spring 2014 Dean’s List at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, R.I.

Air Force Airman Ana R. Martinez graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio. Martinez is the daughter of Patricia and Jose F. Martinez of Dolan Springs, Ariz., and the granddaughter of Evelia Rodriguez of Las Vegas.

Hallie Mendoza made the 2013-14 Dean’s List at Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, Ill. Mendoza is a graduate of Valley High School.

Air Force Airman Sebastian A. Cruz graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio. Cruz is the son of Heidi and Theodore D. Trice of Scio, Ohio, and of Francisco Cruz of Henderson.

Air Force Airman Jeremiah S. Khamda graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio. Khamda is the son of Devin and Shyanne Khamda of Rochester, Minn., and the cousin of Barry Keopasuth of Rochester, Minn., and Anita Keopasuth of Las Vegas.