West alumna earns degree

Chelsea Fields, a West High School alumna, graduated in December with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from San Jose State University.

She completed a minor in child development.

Fields, daughter of Naaman and Elizabeth Fields, is employed as a lifeguard and in the Kids’ Club at In-Shape Sport on Tracy Boulevard.

Tracy High grad headed to D.C.

Derek Guinn, a 2007 graduate of Tracy High School, is headed to Washington, D.C., this month to begin his career as a Microsoft technical account

manager in the public sector unit.

Guinn earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and accounting and a certificate in information technology in July from University of California, Santa Barbara. Following his graduation, he traveled throughout Europe, visiting more than 20 countries.

Teen lauded at military academy

Brandon Van Patten, from Mountain House, was named Cadet of the Month for Golf Company on Feb. 28 at Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, Texas.

Van Patten, son of Liz Nonato De Jesus and the late Phil Van Patten, earned recognition for his exemplary attitude, conduct, academics and involvement at the private school, which is based on the traditions and values of the U.S. Marine Corps.

The junior plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or business and become a Marine officer.

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