Navy Seaman Samuel S. Goodwin, son of Alan T. and Barbra J. Wills of Soldotna, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois, and was recently promoted to his current rank upon graduation.

Goodwin received the early promotion for outstanding performance during all phases of the training cycle, which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, 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.

Phoebe Napolitano of Kenai was named to Dean’s List in Ithaca College’s School of Health Sciences and Human Performance for the spring 2014 semester.

Jensen Dillon of Soldotna has been named to Dickinson State University’s Dean’s List for spring 2014.

At the end of each regular semester, the University recognizes those students named to the Dean’s List. Eligible students must be enrolled full-time and must earn a 3.5 GPA or higher.

Hillary Bogard of Kenai was named to the Reinhardt University Dean’s List for spring semester 2014. A Reinhardt Dean’s List student must maintain a 3.5 grade-point average based on successful completion of a minimum of 12 semester credits with no grade less than a B.

Travis Wingster of Kenai graduated cum laude from the University of Alaska Anchorage on May 4. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Natrual Sciences. His family is very proud of him.