Navy Seaman Apprentice James G. Cole, son of Susan D. Cole of Richmond and James G. Cole Sr. of Chesterfield, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill. During the eight-week program, Cole completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, shipboard and aircraft safety and physical fitness. The capstone event of boot camp is "Battle Stations,” an exercise that gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. "Battle Stations" is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Its distinctly ''Navy'' flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a Sailor. Cole is a 2010 graduate of Varina High School.

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Pamela Ratliff, of Glen Allen, has earned a doctor of philosophy degree from Union Institute & University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Wofford College student Cameron Cann, child of Bruce and Sara Cann, of Richmond, is studying abroad during the fall 2012 semester in London, United Kingdom. Cann is a member of the class of 2013.

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Kristopher Cox, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College information security officer, recently was named one of the 2012 Cyber Award Winners by Symantec Corporation at their annual Government Symposium on Nov. 7. Selected as the winner in the educational category, Cox through his leadership and direction blazed the path for JSRCC to host its first U.S. Cyber Challenge, which aims to significantly reduce the cyber workforce shortage by serving as the premier program to identify, attract, recruit and place the next generation of cyber security professionals. Over the course of a year, Cox successfully coordinated everything from catering to press interviews for JRSRCC's USCC, and ultimately enabled 40 students to secure jobs and scholarships. The Cyber Awards recognized Cox for his continued efforts to raise awareness of the importance of cyber security to the next generation of IT leaders.

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Two Henrico high school seniors who swim at NOVA recently signed collegiate letters of intent. Taylor Copeland, of Deep Run High School, will attend Auburn University. Copeland, a backstroke specialist, recorded Virginia Swimming’s fastest age group time in the 100 yard backstroke in 2012. Blair Carnes, of the Steward School, will attend the University of Southern California. She is a breaststroke specialist and ranked number one in Virginia Swimming in the 100 and 200 yard events as well as the 200 Meter breaststroke. In both 2010 and 2011, she was a two-time finalist in breaststroke events in NOVA’s Women’s NCSA Junior National Championships.