Community
Kimberly Blackburn, an athletic trainer with Pro Care Diagnostics in Kent, was named to the Ohio Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Akron and was head athletic trainer at Strongsville High.
Education
Russ Mitchell, managing editor of evening news and lead anchor of the evening news at WKYC Channel 3 News in Cleveland, was named the 2013 winner of the Robert G. McGruder Award for Diversity by the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Kent State. The award recognizes media professionals who encourage diversity in the field of journalism. Betty Lin-Fisher, consumer reporter at the Akron Beacon Journal, was selected to receive the Distinguished Leadership Award.
Western Reserve Academy junior Chloe Cusimano of Fairlawn received the 2013 Cleveland Institute of Art Award. She earned a full scholarship, including room and board to the institute’s Pre-College Program this summer to study glassblowing. The two-week residential program allows students to experience the life of an art student while using the school’s tools and studio spaces.
Military
Two area sailors were among those attached to the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion to receive the Rear Admiral Eugene J. Peltier Award for construction excellence in 2012. Navy Constructionman Melanie L. Hamilton, daughter of Melinda and Mark Hamilton of Akron, is a 2005 graduate of Springfield High in Akron. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Megan E. Dunton, daughter of Debbie Archer of Canal Winchester and Steve Dunton of Stow, is a 1997 graduate of Pickerington High School of Pickerington, Ohio. She earned a master’s degree at Ohio State in 2010 and a bachelor’s degree at the University of Dayton in 2002.
Army Pvt. Joshua W. Lewis, son of Catherine Lewis and Kenny Lewis, both of Akron, graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. He is a 2008 graduate of Ellet High School, Akron.
Navy Seaman Apprentice Dillon R. Taton, son of Lisa M. Hopson of Twinsburg and Edward R. Taton of Chardon, completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. He is a 2010 graduate of Twinsburg High School.
Marine Cpl. Robert I. Roberts received a Purple Heart while stationed in Afghanistan. He is the son of Joanne Roberts of Cuyahoga Falls and son of Merle Roberts of Akron. He is a graduate of North High in Akron.
Army 2nd Lt. Michael R. Crow graduated from the Army’s Basic Officer Leaders Course at Fort Benning, Ga. He is the son of Tim and Leslie Crow of Stow. He is a 2008 graduate of Stow-Munroe Falls High School and a 2012 graduate of Kent State.
Army 2nd Lt. Michael R. Crow graduated from the Armor Basic Officer Leaders Course at Fort Benning, Ga. He is the son of Tim and Leslie Crow of Stow. He is a 2008 graduate of Stow-Munroe Falls High School and a 2012 graduate of Kent State.
Army Pvt. Lance M. Semler graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. He is the son of Dennis and Edith Semler of Cuyahoga Falls. He is a 2011 graduate of North High School, Akron.
Send notices of community, school and military achievement to Carol Biliczky at cbiliczky@thebeaconjournal.com or fax them to 330-996-3729.