Valley People

Seaman finishes training
Coast Guard Seaman Michael R. Braun recently graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape May, N.J.
During the eight-week training program, Braun completed a curriculum of academics and practical instruction on water safety and survival, military customs and courtesies, seamanship skills, physical fitness, health and wellness, first aid, firefighting and marksmanship.
The son of Jodi Bond of Boulder Creek and William Braun of Santa Cruz, Braun is a 2002 graduate of Bellarmine College Preparatory High School in San Jose.
Local teacher wins merit scholarship
Ben Lomond resident Kerry le Roux, an English teacher and department chair at Branham High School in Campbell, won this year’s Martie Matthieson Merit Scholarship for aspiring school administrators. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded to students in their final semester of San Jose State University master’s program in educational leadership.
Le Roux is the mother of Aiden and Maddy le Roux, who attend San Lorenzo Elementary School. She will be honored at an awards luncheon May 17 and will graduate May 28 with a Master of Arts degree in education administration and supervision.
Her graduate research focused on issues of equity and how microaggression, such as under-the-radar racism, can affect minority students’ achievement in high school, a situation that can be mitigated by increasing access to high-level classes like Advanced Placement and honors.
Christians head to Mexico
Chris and Gina Noble of Boulder Creek will travel to northern Mexico next week, May 12 through 16, with a group of others from Santa Cruz County. During the trip, the group will serve the poor, orphans and widows.
The Nobles’ three sons, Max, 10, Cody 9, and J.T., 6, will go on the mission trip to Grace Children and Babies Homes, too. The boys are collecting donations of sports equipment, art supplies and non-electronic toys.
For information: 338-1836, no*******@*****st.net or htpp://gchmexico.org
Submit items about accomplishments and celebrations involving local people to pb******@*********er.com.