Blue Ridge Real Estate, a personalized real estate boutique serving central Vermont, has appointed Leo Pond as a realtor at the firm.

Pond, a senior at Rutland High School who concurrently attends classes at Castleton University, has always had a knack for connecting with people and, from a young age, demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit. With a keen eye for detail and an aptitude for negotiation, he has already proved his ability to navigate the complexities of the housing market.

The Land Access and Opportunity Board, established by the Legislature to promote equitable access to housing, land and economic opportunities in Vermont, has appointed local change makers Jean Myung Hamilton and Ornella Matta-Figueroa as co-directors of the organization.

The nursing excellence team at Rutland Regional Medical Center has presented Justine Franko, nurse manager in the Women’s and Children’s Unit and Birthing Center, with this year's Carol P. Welsh Nursing Education Scholarship.