Cepeda passes basic training

Air Force Airman 1st Class Nicole I. Cepeda has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

Cepeda is the daughter of Janet Iglecias of Kent, and David Cepeda of Saipan, Mariana Islands. She graduated in 2006 from Saipan Southern High School.

During the six weeks of training, Cepeda studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches; and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises. Her basic training will count as credits toward an Associate’s Degree in applied science through the Community College of the Air Force.

Wallace completes course

Mary L. Wallace, daughter of Kent residents Rick and Sandy Wallace, has graduated from the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps Leader’s Training Course at Fort Knox, Ky.

The four-week course is a leadership internship for ROTC cadets, consisting of classroom and field-training exercises and evaluation to determine the cadets’ leadership abilities and skills — and their potential as Army officers. During the course, cadets get hands-on training in fundamental military skills and traditional leadership values.

Wallace is a 2006 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in Auburn, and is studying at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Locals make the grade

• Lindsey Smith of Kent was recently named to the spring Dean’s List at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minn.

Smith, the daughter of Dale and Susan Smith, is majoring in reconciliation studies.

The Dean’s List honors students who achieve an outstanding scholastic record during a semester with a grade point average of 3.6 or greater.

Bethel University is a leader in Christian higher education with approximately 6,200 students from 48 states and 29 countries enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, seminary, and adult education programs.

• Donella A. Pearson of Kent graduated May 17 from Missouri University of Science and Technology, formerly known as the University of Missouri-Rolla.

Pearson earned a Master’s of Science in the field of systems engineering.