PEOPLE WE KNOW: Local woman recognized for weight loss; area college students earn high marks

Local woman honored for weight loss

Chugiak’s Sarita Cox was recently named the TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) Alaska Queen for losing 117 pounds over the past decade.

“Over the years, I tried most all of the diets, pills, and injections,” Cox said in a press release about the recognition. “Most of them helped take the weight off, but as soon as Istopped, every ounce came back plus more.”

Cox joined the Chugiak TOPS chapter in 1982 and began to make steady progress in 2007, said Cox, who once weighed over 300 pounds.

“In 2017 I received the Century Club Award for losing 100 pounds,” said Cox, who joined the Wasilla chapter of the club in 2017 after the Chugiak group disbanded.

Last fall, she said she finally reached her target weight of 175 pounds.

Cox credited the support of the group with helping her get her weight under control.

“The members of this chapter always seem to know when I need a hug or a kind word,” she said. “Over the years, I have learned that fighting to lose five or ten pounds at a time works better for me and is less discouraging.”

Beardslee makes the grade

Chugiak’s April Beardslee has been named to the Spring 2019 Dean’s List at Brescia University in Owensboro, Kentucky. Beardslee is a senior social work major. To be named to the Dean’s List, students must complete at least 12 credit hours with a GPA between 3.5 and 4.0.

Schaffer earns degree

Eagle River’s David Allen Schaffer graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University on May 4 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Connelly honored

Chugiak’s Mark Connelly has been named to the Spring 2019 Dean’s List at Plymouth State University in Plymouth, New Hampshire. To be named to the list, students must have a 3.5-3.69 GPA while completing at least 12 credit hours. Connelly is a biochemistry major.

Burns named to President’s List

Eagle River’s Claire Burns has been named to the Spring 2019 President’s List at the State University of New York at Potsdam. To be named to the list students must complete at least 12 credit hours and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Burns is a speech communication major.