Elana Tenenbaum of Sandy Hook was recently selected a 2003 Excellence in Citizenship Award winner by Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz. She is a Newtown High School senior who was recognized for her involvement in civic and community activities.

Philip Sandifer of Newtown received a bachelor of arts degree, cum laude, from The College of Wooster May 12. He was an English major.

Grant Werbeck, son of Gary and Barbara Werbeck of Newtown, graduated from Fairfield University with a degree in marketing and accounting May 18. He was an active member of Beta Alpha Psi in Accounting and American Marketing Association. Mr Werbeck will be working at Ernst and Young in New York City.

Helene Marie Powers, daughter of Mr and Mrs Michael C. Powers of Sandy Hook, was awarded a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Boston College at the 127th commencement of Boston College on May 19. More than 3,000 graduates received degrees.

The following local residents were named to the dean’s list for the second semester at Saint Anselm College: Amanda L. Cruz of Newtown is a member of the Class of 2004, and the daughter of Mr and Mrs Philip J. Cruz; and Michael E. Hennessy of Newtown, is a member of the Class of 2004 son of Mr and Mrs Justin Hennessy.

Lafayette College graduate Kara Henry of Sandy Hook earned honors in art, one her two major fields of study, at commencement exercises held May 24. To qualify for the accolades, she completed a year-long digital art project under the direction of art professor Ed Kerns, pictured with her below, an internationally known abstract artist. Ms Henry graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree, double majoring in art and history. She is a graduate of Newtown High School.

 David J. Narcum

 

David J. Narcum, a 1999 graduate of Newtown High School, graduated May 16 from Virginia Military Institute with a bachelor of arts in international studies. After a months training in Prague, he will teach at the Lithuanian Military College in Vilnius, Lithuania, for a year.

Western Connecticut State University has announced its students from the area who have graduated this month: bachelor’s degrees — Joseph A. Wasko of Newtown received a bachelor of arts in history; Katina C. Clarke of Newtown received a bachelor of arts in English; Kerry Augustine of Sandy Hook received a bachelor of science in elementary education English; James G. O’Sullivan of Newtown received a master’s in business administration; Mary H. Nielson of Newtown received a master of science in nursing; Geoffrey D. Bandura of Sandy Hook received a master’s in English; and Susan Ehrens of Sandy Hook received a master’s in business administration.

Jeffrey Rucktenwald, son of Tom and Jan Rucktenwald, formerly of Sandy Hook, recently graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Mr Rucktenwald was also a member of Psi Chi (National Honor Society in Psychology), National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Phi Sigma Theta, and Phi Sigma Pi. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology.

Anne Baade Smith, of Newtown and a bachelor’s graduate in interior design, received the Jack C. Durgan Outstanding Design Award for comprehensive design accomplishments in the interior architecture program at Kansas State University.

Emily Warner

 

Emily Warner, daughter of Neal and Diane of Newtown, was awarded the Instrumental Music Award recently at St Joseph College. She received a bachelor of arts in child study. Ms Warner was a member of the college choir, liturgical choir, and the instrumental ensemble.

Ms Warner has been accepted to the master’s program in library science at Southern Connecticut State University. She graduated from Newtown High School in 1997.

Eric Everett Putnam of Newtown received a bachelor of arts degree in history from Wake Forest University.

Marist College announced local students that graduated May 17. Laura Terry of Newtown and Elizabeth Erin Sovern of Sandy Hook received bachelor of arts degrees.

Johanna Francis of Newtown received a bachelor of arts degree in English from Haverford College. She is the daughter of Mr and Mrs David Francis of Newtown.

Alexander Rode, son of Mr and Mrs Kenneth Rode of Newtown, graduated from Saint Thomas More School, an all-boys Catholic college preparatory school, May 17.

Eric J. Vasquez, a Newtown High School graduate, was named to the dean’s list for the spring 2003 semester at Champlain College. He is in the multimedia and graphic design program.

Hundreds of Connecticut’s top academic students were honored this spring in special ceremonies to celebrate their academic abilities. The students participated in a national talent search sponsored by the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY). Founded in 1979, CTY identifies America’s top students in grades two through eight and provides programs, services, and resources to help them make the most of their special abilities. The following local students were honored: sixth grader Ashley Soucar from Reed Intermediate School; sixth grader Shelby Sisco from Wooster School; and sixth grader Nicholas Allred from Wooster School who received first place in-state for verbal and nationally.