Dainita Richardson of San Pablo, was awarded a $750 Yountville Veteran’s Home scholarship to continue her nursing studies.

The scholarship was created in the memory of Lisette Bannister, long-time resident of the Veteran’s Home of California at Yountville, and Keontae Cooper, late son of Keith Cooper, Sr., long-time employee of the Vets Home. Lisette and Joey Parks of Watsonville, grandchildren of Lisette Bannister, presented the scholarship to Dainita at an awards dinner at La Strata Restaurant in American Canyon on Oct. 19, 2007. A second $750 scholarship was awarded to Heather Hollier of Santa Cruz, daughter of Rebecca Goodwin who works at the Vets Home. For more information about the scholarship, contact Katy Bannister at (831) 477-9460./Register

Napa High graduate finishes basic training

Navy Seaman recruit Jeffrey O. Hill, son of Diane L. and Scott E. Buchanan of Napa, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill. During the eight-week program, Hill completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, fire-fighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.

The capstone event of boot camp is “Battle Stations.” This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. “Battle Stations” is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Its distinctly “Navy” flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a sailor.

Hill is a 2007 graduate of Napa High School of Napa./Register

St. Helena artist wins art scholarship

The first Dian Zepeda “Color is Life” Art Scholarship was awarded to 11-year--old artist Carlotta Sainato of St. Helena. Carlotta’s artistic accomplishments include being awarded the grand prize for her painting, “Mountain Meadow.” Carlotta was eight at the time and one of the youngest to enter.

Carlotta will be studying with famed photographer Charles O’Rear who photographed for National Geographic for 25 years and since 1990 has produced four books on wine. He began photographing wine-making when he moved to Napa Valley in 1978, and today owns the largest collection of wine photography in the United States./Register

Napa High graduate earns military promotion

Michael Zanone of the U.S. Marine Corps was promoted from corporal to sergeant. Zanone entered military service in March of 2004, and is currently deployed to Al Anbar Province in Iraq. Zanone is serving as squad leader in this third deployment to Iraq with C Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. The Marines with C Company are charged with continued security and stability operations in Al Anbar. They conduct and combine operations with Iraqi Army and Iraqi police partners in nearby communities. Zanone is the husband of Shanna DeMichelle Zanone of Napa, and the son of Dana and Christine Zanone of Napa. He graduated from Napa High School in 2001. His family misses him very much and is looking forward to his return in early 2008./Register