Newsmakers for the week of September 16, 2007

Rachel Peck, daughter of Rita and Larry Peck of Spencerport, competed in the "National American Miss" state pageant held in Brooklyn on August 10 and 11. Competing against 120 girls, she took first runner up in two categories: Most Photogenic and Most Promising Model. She also took fourth runner-up in the talent portion of the contest where she performed a dance number and a piano recital. Peck was also selected as one of the top 20 finalists which entitles her to compete at the 2007 "National All-American Miss" pageant in November in Anaheim, California.

Kevin M. Bush of Brockport graduated in May 2007 from Binghamton University with a major in history. He was on the fall semester 2006 dean's list and was inducted into the National History Honors Society, Phi Alpha Theta, during the spring semester.

Bush is currently attending University of Buffalo Law School.

Amanda C. Vargas of Spencerport has been named to the dean's list for the summer quarter at Rochester Institute of Technology. A second-year student in RIT's College of Liberal Arts, Vargas is studying psychology. Vargas, daughter of Valentin and Jeannette Vargas of Spencerport, is a 2006 graduate of Nazareth Academy High School.

Wendy Begy is Prudential Discover Real Estate's Top Listing Agent for August 2007. She has been with Prudential Discover for a few months.

Judy Lockwood is Prudential Discover Real Estate's Top Sales Agent for August 2007. She is an Associate Broker and has been with Prudential Discover for several years.

Sgt. Robert VanVelson graduated May 1 from the Warrior Leader Course at Fort Drum. This course teaches soldiers what to be, what to know and what to do in situations where leadership is required; training management and war fighting skills. He went to West Point Military Academy to get experience in training cadets and received the Army Achievement Medal. August 6 he left for South Korea where he will continue his career as a combat engineer with the 2nd Infantry Division.

Air Force Reserve Airman Keisha D. Dobney graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. She is the daughter of Abdel and Merline Dobney of Rochester. Dobney is a 2005 graduate of Spencerport High School.

Private First Class Todd Richenburg, a 2006 graduate of Byron-Bergen High School, graduated Marine Corps Recruit Training at Parris Island, South Carolina on August 24.

Private First Class Nathaneal Herzog, an 18-year-old native of Byron-Bergen and a 2006 graduate of Byron-Bergen High School, graduated Marine Corps Recruit Training at Parris Island, South Carolina on May 19. During the 13 weeks of training at MCRD PI, he learned the basic skills, training and discipline required to become a Marine.

Josh Evans of Byron and graduate of Byron-Bergen High School enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Delayed Entry Program (DEP). All enlistees are in the DEP, which means they have been found to be physically, mentally and morally qualified to become Marines. The future Marines, who are also referred to as poolees, have joined the Marine Corps and are preparing for recruiting training.