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Mary Vargas, a founding partner of Stein & Vargas, LLP in Emmitsburg, was recently named 2010 Advocate of the Year by the American Academy of Pain Management, in recognition of her work on behalf of people who live in pain.

The law firm, which has been in business for about one year, focuses on discrimination on the basis of disability. Vargas, who also lives in Emmitsburg, and her partner, Michael Stein, litigate and speak nationally on issues involving access for people with disabilities. A large portion of their clients are deaf or hard of hearing and Stein and Vargas are both fluent in sign language. They both used to work at the National Association of the Deaf Law and Advocacy Center. Many of their clients also live with chronic pain.

Vargas was involved in an automobile accident during her first year of law school and has special interest in helping those who live with chronic pain because she does, too.

While she appreciates the award, she said representing clients who live with disabilities and chronic pain makes her feel rewarded every day.

"To see people like me who were discriminated against and have the ability to do something about it ... what's better than that?" she asked. "I see something that just seems wrong and I get to take the case and try to make it right."

Winning the award, which will be officially presented to her at a conference in Las Vegas in September, did allow her to reflect fondly on her career path.

"It was interesting to look back at the journey from patient to advocate," she said. "I never imagined [the accident] would have professional implications that were positive. [Receiving the award] was a wonderful feeling of having made a difference out of a bad situation. I feel very honored by it."

Air Force tech deployed

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Keith M. Hackney, a 1994 graduate of Catoctin High School, has been deployed to serve in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, according to a press release.

He is the son of Ralph C. Hackney of Emmitsburg.

Sgt. Hackney, a C-17 aircraft evaluator loadmaster with 15 years of military service, is regularly assigned to the 15th Airlift Squadron, Charleston Air Force Base, S.C.

Thurmont dance company members

win national awards

The Elower-Sicilia Productions performing company, based out of the dance studio of the same name in Thurmont, recently participated in the Hollywood Vibe dance competition held in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

The company was under the direction of Kara Sicilia Broohm and her company staff, which includes Linda Sicilia, Ashley Boyer, Kela Sicilia-Marceron and Maigan Torre.

The dancers who participated were Jessica Bayuk, Charley Bennett, Adrianna Bussey, Olivia Ecker, Jack Estep, Lucy Estep, Cheyenne Favorite, Mickinzi Ferguson, Maddie Laramore, Toni Marceron, Emily Mitchener, Ellie Moses, Brenna Nopenz, Taylor Rice, Chelsea Sparkman, Anna Trapane, Sierra Weatherly, Struther White, Meredith Wilson, Valarie Witmer and Vanessa Witmer.

The company won six gold awards, 24 high gold awards and 13 platinum awards.

Bennett, Estep and White were all awarded scholarships to attend next year's Hollywood Vibe convention, as well.

Area students earn degrees

- The University of Maryland Eastern Shore recently awarded Miatta Kiawu of Frederick a Bachelor of Science in biology.

- Jessica Mellott of Frederick participated in Berklee College of Music's 2010 commencement held recently in Boston. Mellott received a Degree in Professional Music.

- The following Frederick residents were among those awarded degrees during commencement at Virginia Tech in May: Eric Ritz, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering; Sarah Collins, Bachelor of Science in Business degree in hospitality and tourism management; Tara Green, Bachelor of Science in Business degree in marketing management; Stephen Kindl, Bachelor of Arts degree in music; Lindsey McGinnis, Bachelor of Science in Business degree in management; Bernard Tomasky, Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences; Jason Usher, Bachelor of Science degree in computer science; Jason Yard, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree.

Walkersville ‘National Night Out' scheduled for next week

Walkersville's National Night Out activities are scheduled for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, in Creamery Park, according to a press release from the Department of Maryland State Police, Frederick Barracks.

"Our primary goal with our ‘National Night Out' activity is to urge residents to get out and get to know their neighbors, to strengthen community spirit and increase the community-police partnership," the release said.

Members of the Walkersville Resident Trooper program have secured food, beverage and giveaway donations from several area businesses. They intend to host McGruff the Crime Dog and hold a K-9 demonstration, a crime scene processing demonstration and other safety activities, including a flashlight walk.

For more information, contact the Walkersville Resident Trooper Office at 301-898-0200.

Airman completes basic training

Air Force Airman Benjamin J. Lyon graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness and basic warfare principles and skills.

He is the son of Joseph Lyon of Frederick, and is a 2006 graduate of Gov. Thomas Johnson High School in Frederick.

Send items for North County Notes to reporter Courtney Pomeroy at cpomeroy@gazette.net. Call 301-846-2127 for more information.