People we know

• Wasilla resident Bill Hess was honored with a Blogger’s Choice Award for the “Best Photography Blog of 2010.” His blog was also nominated for the “Best Blog of All Time” and “Hottest Daddy Blogger.” Two other Wasilla-related blogs were recognized by the same website, bloggerschoiceawards.com: Palingates was honored as the Best Political Blog and conservatives4palin for Worst Blog of All Time.

• Air Force Airman Michael J. Martin graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. He is the son of John and Shirley Martin. Martin graduated in 2009 from Colony High School.

• Jennifer Nelson of Wasilla was named to the Dean’s List at LeTourneu University in Longview, Texas, for the fall 2010 semester. The Dean’s List recognizes students who have achieved a grade point average between 3.50 and 3.99 for the semester. LeTourneau University Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Robert W. Hudson said being named to the Dean’s List is a significant academic achievement and honor.

“LeTourneau University’s rigorous curriculum and high academic standards are highly respected throughout our country and beyond,” Hudson said. “LETU is well-known for its quality education. To obtain such a high grade point average for academic performance is, indeed, most commendable.”

• Michael Allen Lewis of Wasilla was one of 475 students named to Union University’s Dean’s List for the fall 2010 semester. The Dean’s List includes full-time students who achieve a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Founded in 1823 and affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention, Union University is characterized by quality Christ-centered teaching and learning. Union offers liberal arts training in more than 100 majors and programs of study along with professional programs in business, education and nursing. Fall enrollment was 4,186 students.