CommunityKaitlin Morse of Twinsburg received a Youth Appreciation Day Award from the Breakfast Optimist Club of Akron. She is a volunteer with Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service. The award recognizes area youths who demonstrate commitment to their schools, families and communities. MilitaryMarine Corps Pfc. Christopher T. Tracy, son of Rosalind N. Cook and LaVerne S. Tracy, both of Akron, graduated from the Marine Aviation Operations Specialist Course. Tracy is a 2010 graduate of Akron’s Garfield High School. Navy Seaman Apprentice Joshua A. Dean, a 2007 graduate of East High School in Akron, completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. Navy Seaman Recruit Ryan S. Smith, son of Denise L. and stepson of Brian Z. Nichols of Barberton, completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. Smith is a 2010 graduate of Barberton High School. Coast Guard Seaman Chad M. Vacco, son of Theresa J. Vacco of Cuyahoga Falls and Howard K. Vacco of Kent, graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape May, N.J. He is a 2002 graduate of Stow-Munroe Falls High School and a 2008 graduate of Youngstown State University. The Beacon Journal welcomes news about military, community and student achievement. Send information to staff writer Carol Biliczky at cbiliczky@thebeaconjournal.com or fax it to 330-996-3729.