MELISSA SIMONSON RECEIVES GIRL SCOUT GOLD AWARD

Melissa Simonson, a member of Girl Scout Troop 445 and a senior at University High School, has earned the Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting.

Simonson's service project was to build a donation box for the Spokane Valley Center. She is the daughter of Frank and Noreen Simonson, Spokane.

Desiree Sargent-Sawyer, daughter of Tim and Karen Sawyer, Spokane, was named the Miss Washington American Pre-Teen Hostess at the annual American Coed Pageant for Washington state. Sargent-Sawyer, 12, is a student at East Valley Middle School. She will represent Washington in the national pageant in Florida later this month. The Gonzaga University ROTC battalion received the MacArthur Award as the most outstanding medium battalion within the Fourth Region. The annual award, given jointly by the MacArthur Foundation and the U.S. Army Cadet Command, is based on performance and production during the year. Gonzaga was singled out from nearly 100 ROTC battalions west of the Mississippi River. Lois Bender has been named regent of the Jonas Babcok Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution. She will promote the DAR motto of "God, Home, and Country," the national theme of "Our Heritage is the Key to Our Future," and the Washington state theme, "Cherish the Past, Enjoy the Present, Anticipate the Future." Heather Bledsoe, was one of several local women who were recognized for their career excellence and dedication at the Women's Forum held at Templin's Resort in Post Falls. Bledsoe, a 3.8 grade-point average Gonzaga Prep honors student and vacation Bible school teacher, received the Young Adult Community Service Award. She was cited for her strength, determination, servitude and compassion to others. She serves on the Youth Board of her church and personally collected 150-250 pounds of food for the needy last Thanksgiving. Bledsoe, who was born with a heart defect and has undergone many surgeries with a positive attitude, is currently employed by Templin's Resort. She recently won their food and beverage contest designing a logo to support their mission statement, "We will reach or exceed our guest's expectations." Marci Pederson, Newman Lake, won the talent section of the Miss Pre-Teen America Scholarship and Recognition Program for Washington state. She received a $100 educational bond and paid entrance for next July's National Pre-Teen Recognition Program in Knoxville, Tenn. Pederson, a fifth-grade student at East Farms Elementary, also won the Leadership Award.

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