Robert H. Baker, D.V.M., a retired equine practitioner and surgeon, received the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Achievement Award in June for his contributions to the veterinary profession.

Edward J. Ryder, Ph.D., developer of the world's most widely planted variety of iceberg lettuce, received a U.S. Department of Agriculture Honor Award for Personal and Professional Excellence. He was honored for his 40 years with the USDA Agricultural Research Service, where he conducted research in lettuce breeding and plant genetics.

Marilyn Nelson, professor of English at the University of Connecticut and National Book Award winner, has written a new book, The Fields of Praise: New and Selected Poems (Louisiana State University Press).

Don Casavant was voted as the students' choice for Teacher of the Year for the third time in his four years at Sierra Mountain/Sierra Central high schools. He also completed his first year as assistant principal after receiving his master's of science degree in educational administration in 1996. He lives in Nevada City.

John A. DeRonde Jr., a partner at DeRonde & DeRonde law firm in Vacaville since 1974, was recently appointed to the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners by Gov. Pete Wilson.