DOWNEY - Katherine Keiko Suzuki Rieth, granddaughter of Downey resident Dr. Mary Stauffer, graduated from the John A. Burns School of Medicine in Honolulu, Hawaii on May 12.Rieth now heads to Rochester, N.Y. to begin residency training in otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat). As it was also Mother's Day, it was a special day for both her mother and grandmother, as Rieth was granted her medical doctor degree after four years of intensive training while balancing motherhood and family life herself. The traditional maile lei was presented to Rieth by Stauffer during the ceremony. At the convocation ceremony, Rieth was awarded the E.E. Black Community Service Scholarship Award, which recognizes students for academic achievement and commitment to community services. She was also awarded the first Dean's Certificate of Distinction in Social Justice. She plans to continue her efforts in community service and healthcare, both locally and internationally.

********** Published: May 23, 2013 - Volume 12 - Issue 06