FACES & PLACES
Marina Ellison, a graduate of Los Alamos High School, has been named the state EMS person of the year by the National VFW Headquarters in Kansas City, Mo. Ellison, who lives in Mayhill in Southern New Mexico, has been a member of the town’s volunteer fire department since 2012. She has lived in the area for about 12 years. Her recommendation for the award came from Fire Chief John Stroope III of the Mayhill Volunteer Fire Department.
State Police Officer Wilfredo Lavoe, based in Lincoln and Otero counties, was recognized as the state Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the National VFW. Like Ellison, Lavoe was lauded by the VFW for his dedication to public service.
Both Ellison and Lavoe belong to VFW Post 11999 in Cloudcroft.
Las Vegas, N.M., native Benjamin Crespin was among the veterans to participate in an Honor Flight tour of the nation’s historic military sites near Washington, D.C. Crespin, a disabled Korean War veteran, was one of several Arizona-based veterans to take part in the program in early May. Crespin is a 1958 graduate of New Mexico Highlands University. He received his master’s degree from Whittier College in California. He was a teacher, school counselor and administrator for 30 years in a California school district. He and his wife, Mary Jane, live in Sun City, Ariz.
United Way of Santa Fe County recently received a $100,000 grant from the Thornburg Foundation to further a capital campaign for the United Way Early Learning Center at Kaune. Opening in August, the prekindergarten center ultimately will serve 200 children, ages 3 to 5, providing year-round access to early childhood education. The center will focus on early literacy with a dual-language approach. “Thornburg Foundation’s support is a major milestone as we work to close the gap of our $5 million goal at Kaune,” said United Way President and CEO Katherine Freeman. “Their support of children and families in the community is significant.”