Education
The Ohio Lottery selected Myra Watkins as its Teacher of the Month for January in Region 7, which covers the Akron-Canton area. She teaches eighth-grade social studies at Hartford Middle School in Canton. She will receive merchandise and a gift certificate.
Three University of Akron faculty — Nathan Ida, distinguished professor of electrical and computer engineering, and Michelle Hoo Fatt and Dane Quinn, both professors of mechanical engineering, were selected as fellows of professional organizations. Ida was elected as a fellow of the Applied Computational Electromagnetics Society; Hoo Fatt and Quinn, fellows of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Joseph R. Halter Jr. was appointed to the Northeast Ohio Medical University board of trustees by Gov. John Kasich. Halter is a founding partner, president and chief executive officer of Solmet Technologies Inc., a Canton-based maker of open-die steel forgings.
A Kent State fashion merchandising student received the Ray M. Greenly Scholarship from the National Retail Federation. Senior Brittany Casper of Brunswick was among 24 students nationwide to earn the $5,000 scholarships.
Four University of Akron faculty members were named to Online Schools Ohio’s list of the Top 22 Education Professors in the state:
Lynn Kline, an associate professor of curriculum and instructional studies; Sharon Kruse and Susan Clark, both professors in educational foundations and leadership; and the late James Rogers, a professor of counseling.
Military
Army National Guard Pvt. Zachery D. Drzik, son of Thomas Drzik of Akron and Christina Workman of West Union, S.C., graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.
Navy Seaman Apprentice Roger W. Ferguson, son of Kim J. Jenkins of Barberton, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. He is a 2012 graduate of Barberton High School.