Teen appointed to U.S. Naval Academy
OTTUMWA — Justin Michael Budan, a member of St. Mary of the Visitation Parish, has received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., for the 2017-2018 school year.
Budan is the son of Amy and Michael Budan. He will graduate from Ottumwa High School this month.
Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa said of Budan, “Students work very hard to earn this kind of opportunity. Admission to the service academies is highly competitive and a great honor. I wish Justin well and thank him for his commitment to serve our nation.”
Teacher receives community award
KEOKUK — Colleen Gredell, a fourth-grade teacher at St. Vincent School in Keokuk, received the first-ever Bonnie Pflug Award during an assembly at the school May 1. The award honors Keokuk residents who demonstrate a spirit of giving and volunteerism.
The memorial award was established by Pflug’s family. Bonnie Pflug was a nurse by profession, but spent many hours volunteering in the Keokuk community as well as for the Catholic school system.
