Newsmakers

National Merit semifinalists

The following area students were among approximately 16,000 semifinalists in the 51st annual National Merit Scholarship Program: Ashley M. McKeon, Evans High School; Sandeep S. Jalli, Arthur G. Moore, and Sierra T. Wilson, Greenbrier High School; Joy Zhang, Lakeside High School; Kaitlyn M. Frazier and Susanna S. Okula, Augusta Preparatory Day School. They will have the opportunity to continue in the competition for one of 8,200 scholarships worth a total of $33 million that will be offered next spring.

Sales recognition

Al R. Kurtz, of Martinez, has been recognized for outstanding sales achievement by National Companies by reaching the Bronze Presidential Director level.

Berry College Dean's List

The following students have been added to the Berry College Dean's List for the spring 2005 semester: Patrick Allison, of Martinez, a junior communication and art major; Deana Robinson, of Augusta, a junior psychology major; and Beth Perry, of Grovetown, a senior early childhood education major.

Mercer University Dean's List

The following residents were recently named to the Dean's List at Mercer University for the summer 2005 semester: Ashley R. Padgett, of Evans, Southern School of Pharmacy; and Rachna Shah, of Evans, Southern School of Pharmacy.

Kiwanis recognition

Kiwanis of Uptown Augusta has recognized Timothy Van Vielt, of Augusta Christian High School, who will present his views at the annual Hugh O'Brien Youth (HOBY) Leadership Seminar he will attend in Atlanta in June.

Honor society member selected

Ryan Coskrey, of Martinez, has been selected for membership in the local chapter at Georgia Southern University by the Delta Iota Academic Honor Society. Coskrey is majoring in history and expects to graduate in May 2006. He plans to attend graduate school to pursue a master's degree in international affairs. He attended Evans High School and is the son of Gary and Terry Coskrey, of Martinez.