Columbia newsmakers

Beta Club competitor

Caroline Rausch, a senior at Augusta Christian Schools, recently earned third place in the Oratorical Competition at the Georgia State Beta Club Convention in Atlanta. Rausch delivered a speech called The Magic of Beta.

Rotary club officers

The Martinez-Evans Rotary Club recently announced the following officers for 2002: Lucinda Clark, president; Bobby Gagnon, past president; John Pirkle, secretary; Dee-Ann Bass, treasurer; and Jim Courson, sergeant at arms.

College graduates

The following area residents recently graduated with bachelor's degrees from Southern Illinois University Carbondale: Dana Rene Gardner of Augusta, Danny Joe Robinson of Augusta, Clinton A. Morton of Grovetown, Gary Wane Hill of Martinez, Vincent Andrew Pacchiana of Martinez, Dennis Pinkston of Martinez, Sharon Felicia Pinkston of Martinez, Jewel Renee Singleton of Martinez and Kevin George Treese of Martinez.

Dean's list

Natalie Spires, the daughter of Richard and Carol Spires of Augusta, was recently named to the dean's list at Georgia College and State University for fall semester 2001. She is a 2001 graduate of Lakeside High School.

Perfect GPA

Jana Brooks, the daughter of Carl and Nan Brooks of Harlem, recently earned at 4.0 grade-point average in her first semester at the Medical College of Georgia. She is a student in the School of Radiology.

Deployment return

Gregory T. Chesnut of Martinez recently returned home after a six-month deployment onboard the USS McFaul, DDG-74, in the Persian Gulf to enforce U.N. resolutions against Iraq. McFaul also operated in combat operations in the Arabian Sea after Sept. 11. Chesnut is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Steve Chesnut. He graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy after attending Evans High School.

Presidents list

Matt Murrell, the son of John and Sandra Murrell of Martinez, has made the President's List at Georgia Military College for the winter quarter. Murrell is a freshman majoring in business management and a 2001 graduate of Lakeside High School.

Presidential classroom

Carrie Crawford, a student at Greenbrier High School, will attend the Presidential Classroom Scholars Program through Jan. 26 in Washington. The program gives high school seniors and juniors an introduction to how the federal government works.

Deans' list

Christopher Yarbrough, a 2001 graduate of Greenbrier High School, was recently named to the Dean's List at Georgia College and State University. He is the son of Mark and Mary Yarbrough and is majoring in business management.

Deans' list

Brian Patrick McCarthy, the son of John and Margie McCarthy of Evans, was recently named to the Deans' List at the University of Georgia for the fall semester. He is a junior and is enrolled in the Terry College of Business. McCarthy graduated from Lakeside High School in 1999.

Graduation Trae D. Johnson, son of Jimmie and Essie L. Johnson of Harlem, has graduated with a bachelor of science degree in management information systems from Southern Polytechnic State University, Marietta, Ga.