Lynch receives award

Emily Lynch of Mildred High School was recently presented the school’s highest agricultural honor, the DEKALB Agricultural Accomplishment Award, sponsored by Monsanto Company.

Lynch, the daughter of Jodi and Brian Lynch, received the award for excellence in academics, leadership and agricultural work experience. Lynch’s significant experience and accomplishments have included plant ID and land judging events, Chapter Star in agriscience, FFA president, FFA honor student, and showed a market goat at the Navarro County Youth Exposition. Mike Wisdom is Lynch’s agricultural education instructor at Mildred High School.

This year the DEKALB Agricultural Accomplishment Award celebrates its 62nd anniversary. Over these 62 years more than 162, 000 high school seniors from across the country have received the award, which has become a symbol for excellence and the school’s highest agricultural honor. In 2008, over 2,050 students from high schools in 48 of the 50 states were recognized with the award.

As the winner of the 2009 award, Lynch’s name will be recorded on a permanent plaque displayed at Mildred High School.

Monsanto, a longtime supporter of agricultural education, FFA, 4-H and other farm youth organizations and initiatives, has sponsored the DEKALB Agricultural Accomplishment Award, named for its brand of seed, since 1998. Monsanto is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality.



Humphries makes dean’s list

Victoria Humphries made the dean’s list for the spring semester at the University of North Texas, Denton. Humphries is majoring in criminal justice. She is the daughter of Sam and Cindy Humphries of Corsicana and the granddaughter of Monica Hoover of El Paso and the late Mary Francis Humphries of Corsicana.



Students named to honor roll

Students who earned places on the dean’s honor roll for the spring semester at Texas State Technical College include John Waller of Dawson, a student in mechanical engineering technology; Lawrence Thompson of Corsicana, a student in digital media design; and Aaron Pierce of Corsicana, a student in welding technology.



Students receive degrees

Corsicana residents have received degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University during May commencement exercises. Those receiving degrees were Amanda Jo Heugatter, who received a Bachelor of Science degree in communication disorders, and Sydney Elaine Williams, who received a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies degree.



Croft receives degree

Rachel McClanahan Croft received her Associate in Applied Science degree in paralegal studies in May from El Centro College, maintaining a 4.0 grade point average throughout her studies while also working a full-time job. Croft previously received a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology in 2006 from the University of Texas at Arlington. Croft, a James L. Collins Scholarship recipient, is a 2002 graduate of Corsicana High School and a 2004 graduate of Navarro College. She is employed as a paralegal (SEC and contracts specialist) for Applied LNG Technologies in Dallas. She is married to Adam Croft, and they reside in Mesquite. She is the daughter of Corsicana residents Camille McClanahan and Steve and Karina McClanahan and the granddaughter of Don McClanahan.



Students named to honor list

Texas A&M; University has named its students named to the dean’s honor roll, recognizing students taking at least 15 hours for the spring semester and maintaining a 3.75 or higher grade point average out a possible 4.0. Among those recognized were Amy Katherine Jenkins of Blooming Grove, and Corsicana students Debbie A. Gage, Daniel Fonseca and Blake Anthony Barlow.



Students receive degrees

Diplomas were awarded to Texas A&M; University graduates during spring commencement ceremonies. Among those recognized were Landon Alan Cook of Corsicana, Bachelor of Arts degree in classics; Justin Allen Hargadine of Frost, Bachelor of Arts degree in political science; Monica Elaina Lewis of Dawson, Bachelor Business Administration degree in marketing; Joshua Nations Motycka of Corsicana, Bachelor of Science degree in industrial distribution; Meagan Renee Thomas of Corsicana, Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical sciences; and Charles Lester Itschner of Mildred, Bachelor of Science degree in industrial distribution.



Rhodes graduates

Johanna Rhodes of Corsicana graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Texas Woman’s University during spring commencement exercises.



Military news

Cadet Adam Thomas Renfroe, son of Dr. and Mrs. Wilson Renfroe of Tyler, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy on May 23. He is the grandson of Doris Renfroe of Mount Pleasant and the late Dr. T.W. “Bud” Renfroe. He is also the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Burleson of Corsicana.

Renfroe graduated from Grace Community School in Tyler in 2004. While at West Point, he concentrated his studies in leadership. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army within the field artillery branch and will report to Fort Hood for his first assignment.

The mission of the U.S. Military Academy is to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of duty, honor, country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the nation as an officer in the United States Army.



Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonas M. Farias, son of Magaly M. and Zebbie D. Thurmond of Fairfield, recently was promoted to his current rank while serving aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan, home ported in Norfolk, Va. Farias was promoted based on sustained superior job performance and proficiency in his designated specialty. Farias is a 2005 graduate of Fairfield High School and joined the Navy in September 2005.

Airman 1st Class Ana M. Costello of Corsicana recently deployed to Andersen Air Force Base in Guam for a four-month deployment in support of U.S. Pacific Command’s Theater Security Packages that are designed to meet emerging security challenges in the Asia-Pacific Region. Costello, a weapons load crew member, was deployed from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. While deployed to Guam, she is deployed in support of Operation Noble Eagle.

Movement of Air Force bombers into the Western Pacific has been ongoing for more than five years and is a demonstration of the United States’ commitment to the region.

The F-22 Raptor is an addition to the regional responsibility in support of the TSP.

The U.S. Pacific Command is committed to providing a stable environment in order to support and foster freedom and prosperity throughout the region.

“I feel it is the biggest responsibility of my life, and the rich history of Guam inspires me to do my best on the flightline,” Costello said. “It gives me a sense of pride knowing that I have achieved the highest Air Force standards and maintained the weapons system on the F-22 Raptor while deployed to Guam.”

Costello is on her first deployment and expects to return to Elmendorf AFB in September.