HONORS
Phillip Taves
Phillip R. Taves, who retired from the Army after 21 years last
January, was recently awarded his second Meritorious Service
Medal.
 1SG Taves was previously awarded the Meritorious Service Medal
in 2001, as well as nine overseas Service Ribbons, three Army
Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals and
many more.
HONORS
Phillip Taves
Phillip R. Taves, who retired from the Army after 21 years last January, was recently awarded his second Meritorious Service Medal. 1SG Taves was previously awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in 2001, as well as nine overseas Service Ribbons, three Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals and many more. He served in many global theatres but spent the majority of his time working in various countries in Europe, Asia and the Pacific Rim. His awards are many but what counts most was the loyalty and camaraderie of those who served with and under 1SG Taves in his many duty assignments. His absence was severely missed but after a long and illustrious career, he retired so as to spend more time with his family whom he held in such high regard.
Rachel Murdock
Rachel Murdock has been named to the Dean’s List at Wells College in New York for the spring 2007 semester. She is the daughter of Ray and Barbara Murdock of Gilroy.
To be eligible for Dean’s List, a student must carry a semester GPA of 3.5 or better and take a minimum of 12 letter-graded hours (four courses).
Brandon Pickens
Brandon Adam Pickens, who attends Brownell Middle School, has been named a United States National Award Winner in Honor Roll and Physical Education. He was nominated for the awards by Laura Avey, a teacher and coach at Brownell. Pickens will appear in the U.S. Achievement Academy’s Official Yearbook.
Pickens is the son of Brian and Sylvia Pickens of Gilroy.
Kathryne Bevilacqua
Kathryne Bevilacqua graduated from Harvard College on June 7. She attended Archbishop Mitty High School and is the daughter of Don and Chris Bevilacqua of Gilroy.
Bevilacqua concentrated in English and American literature and language as well as classics and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree. She was active in extracurricular activities at Harvard, including participation as manager of the Harvard University Band.
BIRTHS
Riley Joseph Silva
Riley Joseph Silva was born July 3, 2007 at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital in Hollister to parents Valerie and Kevin Silva of Hollister. He weighed 9 pounds, 6.9 ounces.
Gianna Marie Lee
Gianna Marie Lee was born July 5, 2007 at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital in Hollister to parents Shawna and Marc Lee of Hollister. She weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces.
Vinsint David Cervantes
Vinsint David Cervantes was born July 10, 2007 at Saint Louise Regional Hospital in Gilroy to parents Vanessa Vaca and David Cervantes, Jr. of Gilroy. He weighed 8 pounds.
Angelina Colmenero
Angelina Colmenero was born July 5, 2007 at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital in Hollister to parents Adrianna Baeta and Arturo Colmenero of Hollister. She weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces.
Zoe Ann Cervantes
Zoe Ann Cervantes was born June 15, 2007 at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital in Hollister to parents Christina Talavera and Frank Cervantes of Hollister. She weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces.
Lysette Shiana Griego
Lysette Shiana Griego was born July 1, 2007 to parents Alicia J. and Peter Griego, Jr. of Hollister.
ENGAGEMENTS
Jordan/O’Donnell
Erin Marie Jordan and Brendan Michael O’Donnell announced their engagement on Erin’s birthday, Dec. 22, 2006.
Erin, the daughter of Greg and Nuala Jordan of Gilroy, is a 1998 graduate of Gilroy High School. She received a bachelor’s degree in physics from CSU, Chico in 2003 and a master’s degree in physics from Brandeis University in Boston in 2005. She currently works as a product development engineer at Intel Corporation.
Brendan, the son of Martha and Joseph O’Donnell of Davis, graduated from UC Davis in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural systems and environment. He currently works as an account executive for FedEx Services in the Sacramento area.
The wedding is planned for July 28 at St Patrick’s Church in Sonora and the reception will be at Greenhorn Creek Country Club in Angels Camp. The couple will make their home in Sacramento.
Corona/Valencia
Claudia Corona and Reynaldo Valencia, both of Gilroy, are engaged to be married Saturday at St. Mary Church in Gilroy. A reception will be held at Bolado Park Pavilion Hall, Tres Pinos.
Claudia is the daughter of Maria Corona. She is a 2001 graduate of Gilroy High School and recieved her bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in Mexican American studies from San Jose State University in 2005. Claudia received her master’s of counselor education and PPS credential in 2007. She currently works for San Benito High School in Hollister as a Cal-SOAP counselor
Reynaldo is the son of Manuel and Angela Valencia. He graduated from high school in Cotija, Michoacan, Mexico and currently works as a machine operator at Machinist Cooperative in Gilroy.
The couple’s first date was in Dec. 10, 2000 and they became engaged Feb. 14, 2006.
