Anna Cathey Linhoss graduated from the University of Florida during commencement exercises on Aug. 6, receiving her Ph.D. in agricultural and biological engineering. A 1993 graduate of Gloucester High School, she is the daughter of Henry and Judy Cathey of Naxera. She currently resides in Gainesville, Fla.

Ciera Norman, the 15-year-old granddaughter of Carol and Grover Bergdoll of Mathews, was the winner of the Clayton (N.C.) Idol competition, which was held on Sept. 14 at The Clayton Center. Norman, a sophomore at Corinth-Holders High School, beat out 16 other young hopefuls in the competition sponsored by the town’s chamber of commerce.

The young singer dazzled the audience with her rendition of Adele’s hit song, "Rolling in the Deep." Norman, the daughter of Joseph and Temperance Norman, is in good company—Scotty McCreery, the 2009 winner of the Clayton Idol contest, went on to become the winner of this year’s "American Idol"...