Michael Nelson Awarded Navy Achievement Medal

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael P. Nelson, son of Larry and Sarah Nelson of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, recently received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Nelson, a 1992 graduate of Grangeville (Idaho) High School, was honored for his initiative and contribution in helping the command fulfill its mission while serving as an intelligence analyst at the Naval Strike Warfare Center in Fallon, Nev.

Damon Darakjy was named Marine of the Year for Alpha Battery of the 1st Battalion, 14th Marines, Spokane.

The award is based on professionalism in the Marine Corps and outside activities, with high emphasis on community involvement and volunteer work.

Darakjy, the son of Robert and Andrea Darakjy of Coeur d’Alene, is a senior at the University of Idaho. He is majoring in political science and was elected student body president.

He is also state chairman for the College Republicans in Idaho.

Nancy Hanks, former award-winning Boeing Commercial Airplane Group employee, was recently appointed executive director of the Wallace Chamber of Commerce.

Hanks had previously received recognition from Boeing, including the Pride in Excellence Award, and was also recognized for her achievements during the U.S. Savings Bond drive and the United Way campaign.

Deidre O. Chadderdon, Coeur d’Alene, was recently named by Gov. Phil Batt as chairman of the Idaho Commission on Women’s Programs. She has served on the commission for 18 months.

The commission was established to encourage Idaho women to become active in social, political and economic activities in their communities and has helped make changes in Idaho law to benefit women and families.

The eight-member commission will meet next month in Boise to discuss welfare reform, domestic violence and update material.

The following students were named Lakeland Junior High School Students of the Month for December:

Bryan Phelps, ninth grade; Matt Wunische, eighth grade; and Megan Havercroft, seventh grade.

Students are chosen for positive attitude, willingness to learn, academics and extracurricular activities.

Phelps is the son of Harold and Patricia Phelps; Wunische is the son of Paul and Barb Wunische; and Havercroft is the daughter of Weldon and Mary Havercroft, all of Rathdrum.

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