Around and About for July 14, 2012

Air Force Airman Jacob T. Nissen, a 2010 Lawrence High School graduate, graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. He completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Nissen earned distinction as an honor graduate.

Chris and Ellie Heath, of Overland Park, announce the birth of their daughter, Reagan Grace Heath, on June 18, 2012, at Kansas University Hospital. Grandparents are Tom and Pam Heath and Dicksie Lloyd, of Lawrence, and John and Joy Lloyd, of Towson, Md. Great-grandparents are Harvey and Barbara Murphy, Alan and Marilyn Heath, and Jim and Barbara Winn, all of Lawrence.

Elisha and Joel Bishop, of Olathe, announce the birth of their daughter, Westyn Noelle Bishop, on July 3, 2012, at Olathe Medical Center. Siblings are Kai Bishop, 4, and Hadyn Bishop, 2. Maternal grandparents are Glen and Nancy White, of Lawrence. Paternal grandparents are Jim and Judy Bishop, of Perry. Great-grandparent is Fern Schnorr, of Coffeyville.

JayTalkers Toastmasters announce their new officers for the 2012 – 2013 year: Edwina Glass, president; Rob Tabor, vice president of education; Susan Tabor, vice president of membership; Angela Thomas, vice president of public relations; and Liliana Bernal, secretary. Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills.

Eighty-four Washburn University students were inducted into the Top Hat Chapter of Alpha Lambda Delta, an honor society for students in their first year at an institution of higher education. Those from this are listed below.

From Berryton: Jessica Cooper.

From Lawrence: Christopher Heit and Kelsey Schweer.

From McLouth: Corinne Hoffhines and Jeri Holwick.

From Oskaloosa: Braden McGinnis and Danielle Steffey.

From Overbrook: Jacqueline Woodruff.

From Tecumseh: Patrick Dahlman, Candace Gutzwiller and Kayla Stadler.

Park University held its May 2012 Kansas City Area Commencement ceremony on May 12 in Independence, Mo. Graduates from the Lawrence area include Anne Bennett, with a Master of Arts in communication and leadership; Anna Schmalz, with a Bachelor of Arts in graphic design; and Leah Wewer, with a Bachelor of Science in management/marketing.

Elizabeth Baska, of Tonganoxie, graduated from the University of Dallas in May with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies.