Army National Guard Pvt. Prestan J. Garcia has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions.

•

Shelby Lee Politte, of Lawrence, has recently become recognized as a member of Sigma Alpha Lambda National Leadership and Honors Organization at Kansas University. Sigma Alpha Lambda is dedicated to promoting and rewarding academic achievement and providing members with opportunities for community service, personal development and lifelong professional fulfillment.

•

More than 580 students completed degree requirements from Kansas State University this summer. Area graduates include David Mark McKelvey, of Basehor, Master of Science; and Ali Jo Pistora, of Lawrence, Master of Science.

•

Kansas University student Taylor Schettler was awarded the title of 2012 National American Miss Kansas and will go on to compete for the national title in Anaheim, Calif., this November.

•

The Kansas University Office of Diversity in Science Training hosted its sixth annual Welcome Reception Sept. 10, honoring students and faculty mentors at KU and Haskell Indian Nations University participating in 2012-2013 programs funded by the National Institutes of Health to encourage underserved students to pursue careers in biomedical science. Area participants are as follows:

Corey Leroy, of Lawrence, a senior in environmental science at Haskell and a member of Northern Ponca.

Nikolai Nez, of Lawrence, a senior in medical laboratory science at Haskell and a member of the Navajo tribe.

Justin Washington, of Lawrence, a freshman in natural science at Haskell and a member of the Eastern Shoshone tribe.

Matthew Behymer, of Tonganoxie, a senior in biochemistry at KU.

Lauren Crandon, of Lawrence, a senior in chemical and petroleum engineering at KU.

Jordan Koch, of Lawrence, a junior in mathematics at KU.

Rodolfo Torres Gavosto, of Lawrence, a senior in chemistry at KU.

Allyson Prue, of Lawrence, a junior in environmental science at Haskell and a member of the Rosebud Sioux tribe.