Neighbors in the news: Wauconda deputy chief graduates from FBI academy
• Wauconda Deputy Chief of Police John Combs, along with 234 other law enforcement officers, graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, Sept. 13.
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers 10 weeks of advanced communication, leadership and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend.
The 283rd session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 49 states and the District of Columbia. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 21 countries, five military organizations and five federal and civilian agencies.
FBI Academy instructors, special agents and other staff with advanced degrees provided the training.
• Professor of Communication Jeff Przybylo, chairman of the Communication Arts Department and director of Speech/Debate at Harper College, was presented with the W.P. Sandford Award by the Illinois Communication and Theatre Association during its 93rd annual convention, hosted at College of DuPage in September.
Named after the late University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana professor, W.P. Sandford, who served as the association's president in 1930 and 1931, the award honors an educator "who provides exceptional service to the association over an extended period of years and significant contributions to the field of speech and theater."
ICTA is the state's oldest and largest professional affiliation for high school and college teachers of speech, debate, communication and drama.
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India Friar, a nursing student at College of Lake County, was awarded a scholarship from the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 281 in Waukegan.
Friar was also awarded the Mildred R. Knoles Scholarship from the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Illinois for $1,000. Both scholarships are being used for tuition this semester at College of Lake County.
Friar, who is in her final semester at CLC, will graduate in December with an associate degree. She is in the process of deciding which university to attend in pursuit of a bachelor's degree. Her plans are to become a midwife.
Friar said she is "so very appreciative of the American Legion Auxiliary for all their assistance. It really made a positive difference."
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Dr. Diana Plata has joined Northwest Community Healthcare's Medical Group and sees patients at 1410 N. Arlington Heights Road in Arlington Heights.
Dr. Plata, who has an interest in comprehensive weight management and sleep medicine, graduated from Rush University Medical College. She completed her residency in internal medicine and additional fellowship training in sleep medicine, also at Rush.
Fluent in Spanish and English, Dr. Plata is board certified in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine.
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