Around Town - April 16, 2014

Notables

High achievement

Edison High School alumnus Nic Monaco will graduate magna cum laude, with an overall grade point average of 3.7 or higher, from the USC Thornton School of Music on May 16. The 2010 Edison graduate earned a bachelor of science degree in music industry while making the dean’s list each semester.

Chase M. Houser recently graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., with a bachelor of science management degree with a minor in Chinese.

Houser will continue his education as a financial officer at the Los Angeles Air Force Base.

Houser’s grandmother, Ann Houser, and his aunt and uncle live in Huntington Beach. His father, Michael, lives in Sunnyvale.

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Basic training

April D. Jewell and Peter T. Kosearas, Air Force airmen first class, and Air Force airmen Eben L. Kaaua, William D. Hall and Joel R. Valadez graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

Jewell, the daughter of Tara Adams of Huntington Beach and Daniel Jewell of Corona, graduated from Coast High School in Huntington Beach in 2011.

Hall is a 2008 graduate of Marina High School.

Kosearas, the son of Carolyn and George Kosearas of Huntington Beach, is a 2004 graduate of Ocean View High School. He earned an associate degree in 2009 from Santa Ana College.

Kaaua, the son of Melody Kaaua of Huntington Beach, graduated from Marina High School.

Valadez, the son of Craig Valadez of Huntington Beach, is a 2011 graduate of Marina High School.

The airmen completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

AROUND TOWN is a column about people and events in Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley and Seal Beach compiled by city editor Alicia Lopez. Please submit information about your fundraiser, charity event or a person deserving attention to hbindependent@latimes.com or alicia.lopez@latimes.com.