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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Commendation Given By Navy, Marine Corps

Compiled By Mary Beth Donelan

The following Inland Northwest military persons recently received awards:

Cpl. Ryan Berendson, son of Robert and Wanda Rains, Chewelah, Wash., received a Certificate of Commendation. A 1992 graduate of Jenkins High School in Chewelah, Berendson is stationed with the Marine Corps in Yuma, Ariz.

Seaman Recruit Kevin Hill, son of Jerry Hill, West Richland, received a Letter of Commendation. He is stationed with the Navy aboard the USS Cleveland, based in San Diego. Hill is a 1991 graduate of Hanford High School, Richland.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Jeffrey Ragsdale, son of James and Sylvia Ragsdale, Spokane, received the Navy Unit Commendation while assigned in Manama, Bahrain.

Petty Officer 2nd Class David Lueich received a Gold Wreath for recruiting excellence. He is stationed with the Navy in Omaha, Neb. He is a 1989 graduate of Ferris High School.

Ensign W.M. Pearson, son of Willard and Faye Pearson, Coulee Dam, was commissioned to his present rank upon graduation from Officer Candidate School, Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Fla. He is a 1988 graduate of Lake Roosevelt High School and a 1994 graduate of the University of Washington.

Robert Allan, a geneticist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Pullman, received a technology transfer award for developing several valuable wheat varieties for Pacific Northwest growers. During the past two decades Allan has released seven new wheat varieties that have become mainstays in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. In 1994, growers planted his varieties on 1.3 million acres and reaped a harvest worth $250 million.

Allan is based in the wheat genetics, quality, physiology and disease unit.

Lon Gibby Productions Inc. of Spokane was named a national finalist in the Silver Microphone Awards for 1995. A radio commercial created for Jaremko Nissan was honored in the Automotive category. Phill Wright served as copywriter and director, music production was by Tim Johnston and Randy Kenworthy, and vocal talent was provided by Wright, Don Schulte and Steve Janosik.

The Lewis and Clark High School math team finished fourth at the state math competition. In the Atlantic Pacific national competition, the team finished first in the region and second in the state.

The team finished first in the nation in the Math League Press competition, with more than 80 schools participating. Two team members, Robert Dirks and Nadav Tanners, tied for fifth place nationally.

Dirks was also one of 122 winners of the 1,038 students competing in the USA Mathematical Talent Search.

Other awards went to: Most Valuable: Dirks and Rhonda Green; Most Inspirational: Tanners and Jina Reidt; and Most Improved: Jude Battista and Beth Pierce.

, DataTimes MEMO: To tell us about your achievements and good deeds, write to Achievements, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210, or 608 Northwest Blvd., Suite 200, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.

To tell us about your achievements and good deeds, write to Achievements, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210, or 608 Northwest Blvd., Suite 200, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.