Daniel L. Kong, 16, of Chapel Hill was recently awarded the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in Boy Scouts of America. He is a member of Troop 39, chartered by University Methodist Church in Chapel Hill.

Captain Robert D. St. Claire, formerly of Carrboro, is currently serving as executive officer of a company of U.S. Army Combat Engineers (Sappers) conducting counterinsurgency operations in northeastern Afghanistan. Captain St. Claire was recently awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Achievement during combat operations. He is the husband of Veronica St. Claire, formerly of Fredericksburg, Va., and the son of Drs. Robert and Karen St. Claire of Carrboro.

Army Pvt. Jonathan J. Pettner has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. He is the son of Debbie Evans of Ellaville, Ga., and James Pettner of Kennedy Circle, Hillsborough.

Ivan Bukovnik, son of Rudy and Lisa Bukovnik of Chapel Hill, was named a Presidential Scholar at Humboldt State University, in Arcata, Calif., for the Spring 2009 semester. Ivan graduated from Emerson Waldorf High School in Chapel Hill in 2007.

Josh Zoffer of Chapel Hill, along with Robert Kindman of Durham, were named national champions in Public Forum Debate at the National Forensic League's National Speech & Debate Tournament held in Birmingham, Ala.

Josh is the son of Caryn and Bill Zoffer. Robert is the son of June Almenoff and Allen Kindman.

Andrew Steinway of Chapel Hill participated in Berklee College of Music's 2009 commencement held recently at Boston University. Andrew received a bachelor's degree in Music Business and Management.

Nicholas Titus of Chapel Hil earned the distinction of Faculty Honors for spring semester 2009 at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Please send notable items and photographs to chnclerk@nando.com.