Matthew Baker
LTJG Matthew Baker (USN) graduated with honors from Navy Nuclear Power School in Goose Creek, S.C. on Dec. 12, 2008.
He completed the six-month academic program that totaled 625 hours of instruction (two-years college equivalent) in technical and nuclear reactor plant system courses. Courses included electrical engineering, chemistry, reactor physics and thermodynamics.
Baker will complete his nuclear submarine training by attending Navy Nuclear Prototype Training Unit which applies theoretical knowledge to actual power plant operation.
Baker was the 2002 Valedictorian of A.L. Brown High School, a 2006 meritorious graduate from the United States Naval Academy with a B.S. in Physics, and received his Master’s degree in Applied and Material Science from UNC-Chapel Hill in April 2008.
Baker is the son of Benny and Cathy Baker of Kannapolis. He has a sister, Mechele Readling of Salisbury. Grandparents are Jim and Carol June Baker of China Grove.
Ryan Evans
Army Pvt. Ryan C. Evans has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.
During the nine weeks of training, he received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.
He is the son of Cynthia Kelly and grandson of Sarah Evans, both of Salisbury.
The private is a 2008 graduate of North Rowan High School, Spencer.