For 25 Years, He’s Had Them Singing in Church

Dale C. Van Natta was honored by El Segundo United Methodist Church for his 25 years as the church’s choir director. Van Natta, a director of civic and community relations at TRW Electronics and Defense in Redondo Beach, was an unemployed choir director 25 years ago when he happened by the church and learned that it needed a director. The church honored him recently with a reception and plaque. A graduate of two Southern California universities with degrees in business and music, Van Natta serves on several committees such as the Beach Cities Symphony board and the Los Angeles Teacher Education and Computer Network Center.

Paul Balson of Los Angeles and Holly Holdrege of Torrance were named Young Achievers of the Year by the Encyclopaedia Britannica. They attended a Britannica-sponsored “Salute to Excellence” in Denver last month and met with several leading scientists, artists, business people and athletes. Britannica, which sponsored 32 students in the Los Angeles and San Diego areas, chose Holdrege for achievements in writing and leadership and Balson for work in journalism and broadcasting.

Loyola Marymount University students Hiro Vaswani and Susan Bononi received medallions from the Los Angeles chapter of the Financial Executives Institute. The institute, an organization of business executives in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, awards the medallion to students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements and personal qualities.

Vimal Murthy of Mira Costa High School and Katherine Swift of El Segundo High won first-place youth citizenship awards from Soroptimist International of Manhattan Beach. Murthy plans to pursue a college education in cybernetics, developing artificial limbs and other prosthetic devices. Swift will attend UCLA, studying science and mathematics. Runners-up were Nancy Robertson and Kimberly Lynn Schneider of Mira Costa and Lynn Benedix and Rebecca Martin of El Segundo. The annual youth award is given to graduating seniors who have distinguished themselves in service, dependability, leadership and purpose.

Del M. Anderson of Torrance, dean of students at Los Angeles Harbor College, has been appointed to the board of directors of the California Assn. of Community Colleges.

Michael K. Mantle of Gardena was presented the Young American Medal for Service by Gov. George Deukmejian. The medal is awarded to teen-agers who have displayed exceptional character and performed service to others. Mantle, an Eagle Scout, attends Leuzinger High School and has worked to distribute food to the needy.

Boyd Latimore, 16, of Redondo Beach, was chosen drum major of the Boy Scouts Jamboree marching band at Ft. A. P. Hill, Va. Latimore performed at the opening ceremonies of the 11th National Jamboree on July 24 and led the band in a performance on the steps of the Capitol in Washington. Latimore is a junior at Redondo Union High School and was assistant drum major with the school marching band. He plays the trumpet, trombone and piano and is a working toward his Eagle Scout badge. Latimore, who was selected from among 100 band members, was the only member of Troop 595 to attend the Diamond Jubilee Jamboree, which ends today. The event, marking the 75th anniversary of the Boy Scouts, brought together more than 35,000 scouts and leaders.