Columbia newsmakers

Naval promotion

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Vanessa L. Phiniezy, daughter of Christeene Phiniezy of Augusta and John H. Starks of Martinez, recently was promoted to her current rank while serving at Naval Station, Mayport, Fla.

Honor society inductee

Lori Ann Grove of Augusta was recently inducted as a member in the Golden Key International Honour Society. She is the daughter of Dennis and Anita Grove of Martinez and is a graduate of Evans High School.

National Guard enlistment

Dustin T. Elliott, a 2002 graduate of Lakeside High School, recently enlisted into the National Guard. After eight weeks of basic training next summer at Fort Seal, Okla., he is scheduled to receive training in artillery as a cannon crewmember.

Homecoming coronation

Annie Pearl Walker, daughter of John and Louise Walker of Wrens, was recently crowned Miss Senior at Fort Valley State University's 2001-2002 homecoming coronation. Walker was escorted by Capt. Anthony Walker and is a senior majoring in early childhood education.

Veteran's Day presentation

The Evans High School Knight and Lady Knight drill teams and color guards recently participated in several Veteran's Day celebrations. The school's color guard presented the colors at Evans Middle School and was joined by both of Evans High's drill teams at the Augusta Veteran's Day Parade. The color guard also performed at The Golden Corral on Bobby Jones Expressway.

Student commendation

Corrie Navarro, a senior at Augusta Christian Schools, has been named a commended student in the 2002 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Homecoming queen crowed

Holly Blount, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Linden Blount of Martinez, was recently crowned homecoming queen at Valdosta State University. Blount is majoring in mass media, is the vice president of Phi Mu sorority and is a member of Valdosta State's Student Government Association. She also was selected to serve on an executive committee for the College of Communication Arts and is a member of her school's tennis team.