Irvine Man Named Photographer of the Year by U.S. Travel Writers Society

Free-lance photographer Robert Wenkam of Irvine was named 1987 Photographer of the Year by the Society of American Travel Writers during its convention in Melbourne, Australia. He was awarded $1,000 and a plaque. His entry was a nine-page picture portfolio from his recently published book, “The Edge of Fire.” The photographs, taken around the globe, range from scenic mountain ranges, vineyards, forest in winter to the Pacific coastline.

Michele Burgess, free-lance photographer from Huntington Beach, won three special certificates for her photographs in the environment, people and humor categories.

An estimated 400 photographers attended the convention where a three-judge panel evaluated 1,020 photographs. The society is a professional association of writers, editors, photographers, broadcasters and public relations directors who serve the traveling public.

The Orange Coast College speech and debate team, state winners the past two years, hasn’t slowed its pace. The team just won the sweepstakes trophy at the Pasadena City College speech and debate tournament.

In honor of her continuing efforts to disseminate information on the dangers of AIDS, Pearl Jemison-Smith was given the Elections Committee of Orange County’s Humanitarian Award. Jemison-Smith, of Garden Grove, is an infection control nurse at UCI Medical Center.

“She has acted beyond the call of duty,” said Pat Callahan, spokeswoman for the committee, a major gay rights group, “and tries to get people to deal with the disease in a reasonable and compassionate manner.”

For the fifth consecutive year, MacArthur Fundamental Intermediate School in Santa Ana has won first place in the Columbia (University) Scholastic Press national student newspaper competition.

Principal Thomas Reasin said the school competed against 2,500 other schools nationwide to win the Crown Award with a combined 970 points scored out of a possible 1,000. “We’re very proud of our students,” he said.

Robert Coons is the journalism teacher.

Dr. Laurence D. Wellikson, at age 40 the youngest member of the board of directors of the Orange County Medical Society, was named Young Internist of the Year by the American Society of Internal Medicine. Wellikson, who practices in Orange, writes a monthly column on medicine and health issues and in June received an award for his series of articles on hypertension.

Mark Causey of Irvine headed a list of 11 people and groups honored by the Volunteer Center of South Orange County at its 15th annual Carnation Awards dinner. The 11 were selected from 175 nominees.

Causey was given the coveted youth award. Others honored were Tom Armbruster of Irvine and Truong Van Dong of Santa Ana, Corporate Awards; Bob Hall of Orange, Senior Award; Katherine Newman, Huntington Beach, Board of Directors Award; Homes (Helping Our Mentally Ill Experience Success) of Tustin, Group Award; Kathy Scott, Placentia, Individual Award.

Others are Ruth Rowland, Tustin, Cumulative Award; Orange County Scouts Sea Base, Newport Beach, Court Referral Special Award; Orange Senior Center, RSVP Special Award accepted by Allan Stark, and Junior League of Orange County, Spirit of Volunteerism Award, accepted by Marcia Adler.

Carolyn Long, 21, of Brea was selected over three other finalists and 120 applicants when she was named Disneyland 1988 Ambassador. She will act as the theme park’s emissary of good will. Other finalists were Charlotte Catingub, 22, of Stanton; Julie Ellis, 23, of Fullerton, and Tracey Schlaepfer, 20, of Anaheim.

Villa Nova Restaurant owners Charlotte Dale and son Jim Dale, both of Newport Beach, were honored by the City of Newport Beach with a proclamation for their community and charitable accomplishments on the eve of the 20th anniversary of their popular business. They also were recognized for their monthly Outstanding Citizen Award given to courageous or heroic residents throughout Orange County.

The Fountain Valley High School Royal Regiment marching band won sweepstakes honors in overall band and tall flag categories at the second annual South Bay Invitational Half Time Show Tournament at El Camino College.