Laura Browder, University of Richmond professor of American Studies and English, was recently nominated for a Library of Virginia People’s Choice Award for her nonfiction book, “When Janey Comes Marching Home.” Browder’s book tells the story of women and modern war, using oral histories compiled from women in each branch of the U.S. military who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Readers can vote for the people’s choice nominees through June 30 in public libraries or online at http://www.lva.virginia.gov .

Lewis Rick Black, III, a junior at Deep Run High School, was recently selected to be among 1,000 attendees at West Point Academy’s prestigious Summer Leaders Seminar (SLS). Attendees live in cadet barracks, eat in the Cadet Mess and participate in academic, leaderships, athletic and military workshops. More than 4,000 juniors nationwide applied to SLS.

Husband and wife small business experts Doug and Polly White recently published their book, “Let Go to Grow.” Owners of the consulting firm Whitestone Partners, the Whites conducted extensive research on how the role of the principal must change as a small business grows. These findings are outlined in the book, which will debut nationally in the fall. For details, visit http://www.whitestonepartnersinc.com .

Virginia State Police Trooper Gregory R. Duke, of the Richmond Division’s Area 1 Office in Henrico, was recently awarded the Senior Trooper Robert A. Hill, Sr. Crime Prevention Award. Senior Trooper Hill was a certified Crime Prevention Specialist who was struck and killed by a passing motorist in 2006. Trooper Duke was recognized among his law enforcement peers for his outstanding work in the promotion of the Department’s Crime Prevention Program, as well as his enforcement efforts on the road.

Special Agent Terence P. “T.C.” Collins and Special Agent James R. “Doc” Lyons, with the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Richmond Field Office, were recently awarded the Superintendent’s Award of Merit. This is the highest award presented by the Superintendent and recognizes an extraordinary act of valor that includes the jeopardizing of one’s safety, acting above and beyond the call of duty and expending every possible effort to complete the act. Collins and Lyons were honored for their persistence, investigative expertise and determination to bring closure to a murder victim’s family 15 years later. Special Agent Lyons was also honored for his expert investigative and interrogation techniques involving a 16-year old fatal hit-and-run case. Lyons was able to secure a full confession from the killer and allowed the victim’s family closure.

Norman Alford, Shannon Bunn, Shelly Bunn, Darlene Hicks, Karen Matthews, Angela Myers and Mallory Simmons were recently inducted into Stratford University’s charter National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) Chapter in Glen Allen. The students were recognized for their scholastic achievement, skill development, leadership, honesty, responsibility and good character.