New York trip: Alice Jo and Stanley DeFries, Lawrence, hosted the last two of their five grandchildren with a week-long trip to New York City in March. Kyle Nauman is a junior at Ottawa University and Kurt Nauman is an air traffic controller at the Radar Center in Olathe. From left are Kyle, Alice Jo, Stanley and Kurt after enjoying a memorable Italian dinner at the Fresco by Scotto Restaurante. The DeFrieses submitted the photo.

Stellar service: Elisabeth “Betty” Scribner of Lawrence (NARFE Chapter 378) was presented a “Citation For Distinguished Service” on April 4 from the National Headquarters of National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. The award was recognition for the work Scribner has done to increase membership in the organization. Linda Surritte submitted the photo.

’Hawk of a different color: Raegen Baize, daughter of Samantha (Inverarity) and Gerrick Baize of Gregory, Mich., shows her true colors. She was born March 17 and is the granddaughter of John and Judy Inverarity of Lawrence, who submitted the photo.

Getting it done: United Way of Douglas County AmeriCorps members celebrate AmeriCorps Week, May 14-21. The AmeriCorps motto is “getting things done” and members serve in local agencies for one year. From left, Kendra Davis (Social Service League), Paul Spacek (Centro Hispano), Shannon Reid (United Way of Douglas County), Jordan Ryan (Van Go, Inc.), and Kayleigh Nichols (Willow Domestic Violence Center). Not pictured, Lauren Ray (CLO Kansas) and Crystal Smith (Trinity In-Home Care, Inc.). Lori Johns submitted the photo.

School’s out: Hayden and Rebecca Koenig, both 6, pose as they attend their last day at Immanuel Lutheran Childhood Center on May 26. They are the children of John and Lynn Koenig, Lawrence. Lynn submitted the photo.

History lesson: Students from Janet Breithaupt’s third-grade class at Sunflower School spent part of May 13 on a field trip looking at architecture and history in Old West Lawrence, meeting the assistant city manager Diane Stoddard, and searching Oak Hill Cemetery that was created as a response to Quantrill’s Raid. Pictured at James Naismith’s grave, from left, are Zach Peterson, Ashton Williams, Gentry Dennison and Max Northrop. Larry Northrop submitted the photo.

Glad grad: Laura Swan, Quincy, Mass., center, graduated magna cum with a major in religion May 22 from Boston University. From left are her sister, Amy Swan, Lawrence, and her father, Bob Swan, right. Bob submitted the photo.

Dancing snooze: Following her first year dancing with Dazzlers Christian Dance, Sadie Heinbach, 5, was so proud to receive her very first trophy, she fell asleep with it in her hands. Sadie is the daughter of Marvin and Megan Heinbach, Lawrence. Megan submitted the photo.

Doing swimmingly: Members of Free State High School swim team was participated in the 6A girls high school state swim meet held May 21 in Topeka. Back row, from left, are Hana Arch, assistant coach Carrah Haley, Rosemary Black, Caroline King and Kate McCurdy; front row, Reilly Moore, Kara Mishler, Katie Kimbrough and Morgan Miller. Jill Miller submitted the photo.

Soccer champs: The Phoenix was named the Division 2 U10 Kaw Valley Cup Champions May 21 at the YSC soccer fields. Back row, from left, are Carlos Vasquez and Reid Plinsky (both 8), coach Brent Wood, Porter Neidow and Lou Fincher (both 9), and Charlie Elsten (8); front row, Nicholas Davies and Camden Spano-Lund (both 8), Will Shultz (9), and Joey Wood and Justin Hicks (both 8). Kelly Elsten submitted the photo.

Charitable birthday: Samantha Gregory, Eudora, celebrated her 10th birthday on Feb. 28. Instead of presents, she asked for donations for the Lawrence Humane Society. Samantha is the daughter of Jody and Jeff Gregory and the granddaughter of Joe and Sandy Deshazer, all of Eudora. Joe submitted the photo.

Hoops history: Michael Zogry, left, talks about the James Naismith Memorial Plaza at Memorial Park Cemetery to members of the University Women’s Club history group. The women toured several memorial sites in both Memorial and Oak Hill cemeteries in late April. Zogry teaches in the department of religious studies at Kansas University. Sandra Wiechert submitted the photo.

Home work: Agents from the local Keller Williams Diamond Partners celebrated RED Day (Renew, Energize and Donate) on May 12 by planting flowers and shrubs for a new Habitat for Humanity homeowner. From left are Brandi Abrams, Darren Abrams, Tim DeVine, Jeannie Pitts, Larry Kueser and Kari Abrams. Each year, on the second Thursday of May, associates from across the United States and Canada participate in projects by renewing and energizing aspects of the neighborhoods in which they serve. Linda Trotter submitted the photo.

On cue: This Lawrence team from the Pool Room won the Kansas State 9-Ball Championship held May 20-21 in Topeka. They now advance to the National Tournament in Las Vegas. Back row, from left, are Dustin McDonald, Dave Delaney, Bernie Kennedy and Paul Forio; front row, Melissa Shinogee, Jenny Stowe, Mary Jane Church and Vickie Bahnmaier. Church submitted the photo.

Formal occasion: Jasmine Olson, 14, the daughter of Awilda Olson-Nunez and Dave Olson, both of Lawrence, poses for a photo May 25 at South Park before attending Southwest Junior High School’s ninth-grade formal at Liberty Hall. Olson-Nunez submitted the photo.

Graduation day: From left, Ben Kincaid, a 2011 graduate of the University of Southern California, poses with his grandfather, Dr. Paul Kincaid, and uncle Dr. Paul Kincaid Jr., both of Lawrence. The graduation ceremony was held May 13. Jane Getto submitted the photo.

Ready to play ball: Dakota, a chocolate Labrador, 12, is being readied for baseball practice on June 3 by owners Brice, 10, and Bradyn, 7. They are the sons of Jenny and Brandon Crowell of Topeka and the grandsons of Su and Ron Johnson of Lawrence. Su Johnson submitted the photo.

He’s a big deal: Aidan Jeffrey Jones, 13 days old, enjoys a visit June 7 to the home of his grandparents, Jim and Susan DeVore, Lawrence. Aidan is the son of Jamie and Adam Jones, also of Lawrence. Susan DeVore submitted the photo.

Employee of the month: Celebrating JobLink’s July Employee of the Month, from left, are Andrew Yokum, Hy-Vee store manager; Stephanie Wilk, Hy-Vee kitchen clerk; Shirley Hadl, Hy-Vee kitchen supervisor; and Pam Ludwick, JobLink consultant. Kari Bentzinger submitted the photo.

Iron-willed kids: Members of the Lawrence Aquahawks competed in the Iron Kids Triathlon on June 10. From left are Piper Rogers (11), Luke Edwards and Landon Sloan (both 10), Evan Yoder (12), Julia Barton and Payton Gunderson (both 9), Ruth Gathunguri (10), Caleb Hogan (12), and Kylie Wetnight (9). Debbie Rogers submitted the photo.

Catch of the day: Tom Finch, Lawrence, caught an 87-pound flathead catfish June 11 in the Kansas River. The fish was 54 inches long and 36 inches around. Finch released the fish after photos were taken.

Super bowlers: 2011 United States Bowling Congress Youth Spring League Champions, from left, are Jared Radford, 12, Ryan Woodhead, 8, and Tanner Rocha, 11, all of Lawrence. Radford also received “Most Improved Average” for the season. Leagues bowled from January to May at Royal Crest Lanes in Lawrence. The photo was taken May 14. Becky Radford submitted the photo.

Jayhawks in Jordan: Perry Warren, Lawrence, left, toured Petra, Jordan, on Jan. 29. While on the tour, he visited with a Jordanian man who earned a doctorate degree from Kansas University. Warren submitted the photo.

To have and to hold up: Matt Ellis holds his wife, Luna Novelo Ellis, daughter of Cindy Novelo of Lawrence, in a cheer pose on their wedding day, Dec. 18, 2010. The couple met while members of the cheerleading squad for Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. Lynne Bodle submitted the photo.

Scholarship-winning worker: Tiffani Jones, a McDonald’s restaurant employee at 1309 W. Sixth St., was awarded a $2,500 McDonald’s National Employee Scholarship Award on June 2. Jones is among several McDonald’s restaurant employees nationwide selected to receive the honor for their outstanding employee contributions, scholastic achievements and community involvement. Only one applicant per state and Washington, D.C., are selected across the country. Patrick Manning submitted the photo.

Teeing off for charity: From left, Matt Lomshek, Travis Hicks, John Flynn and Troy Gregory, all of Lawrence, participated in the 30th Annual Ben and Betty Zarda Family Golf Classic benefiting Catholic Charities Foundation of Northeast Kansas held May 9 at Lake Quivira Country Club. More than $160,000 was raised at the tournament. Nearly 150 golfers enjoyed lunch, a day on the course, and a dinner reception including a live auction and awards ceremony. Rachel Hodgson submitted the photo.

Rodeo queens: Cheyenne Patton, left, McLouth, was crowned the Abdallah Shrine Rodeo Queen for 2011 and Paige Boylan, Tonganoxie, was named first runner-up. The rodeo was held May 26-28 in Tonganoxie. Jamie Knabe, Cheyenne’s aunt, submitted the photo.

Happy golfers: Nothing but smiles from the first place team of Audio Reader’s 2nd Annual Golf Classic held May 2 at Alvamar Country Club. From left are Bob Dunn, Ron Ragan, Craig Lunte and Pete Knutson. Brenda Berg Dyck submitted the photo.

Surprise party: Leslie A. “Laddie” Demeritt, Reno, Nev., formerly of Lawrence, center, celebrated his 85th birthday on Jan. 25, 2011, with a suprise visit from childhood friend Warren Banning, left, of Lawrence. Leslie’s wife, Joan Demeritt, is pictured at right. Mary Demeritt Gordon, Leslie’s sister, submitted the photo.

Nice ride: Free State High School junior Baylie Moon captured state honors at the Kansas National Barrel Horse Association Finals held May 20-22 at the Expo Center in Topeka. In addition to placing first in the Youth 18 & Under division on Classy’s Cashbox, Baylie also placed fifth in the open finals competing against 286 riders. She is the daughter of Randy and Raelynn Moon of Lawrence, who submitted the photo.