Paier College of Art in Hamden celebrated its graduation exercises on May 22 at Battell Chapel in New Haven. Among this year’s graduates was Lindsay Broderick of Newtown, who received a BFA degree in illustration and graduated cum laude.

Air Force Airman First Class Adam M. Currier has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.

In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Adam is the son of Nickolas Currier of Alpine Drive in Sandy Hook. He is a 2007 graduate of Newtown High School.

Victoria A. Filler of Newtown was awarded a bachelor of arts degree Magna Cum Laude at Colgate University in Hamilton, N.Y., on May 18. Victoria graduated from Newtown High School in 2004 and is the daughter of Michael and Joy Filler.

Kelli A. Gardner of Sandy Hook recently graduated summa cum laude from the All-College Honors Program at Canisius College in Buffalo, N.Y. She received bachelor of arts degrees in both psychology and religious studies. Kelli has accepted a scholarship to pursue graduate work in religious studies at the University of Chicago in September. She is a 2004 graduate of Newtown High School.

 Anne G. LoPiccolo, daughter of Susan and Frank LoPiccolo of Newtown, graduated on Sunday, June 1, from Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, Lauralton Hall in Milford. She plans to attend Fairfield University’s School of Nursing in the fall. During Senior Award Night ceremonies, Anne was also the recipient of an award from National Honor Society, as well as Peer Mentor and Peer Tutoring Awards.

Paula Mukwaya, daughter of Dr Geoffrey and Margaret Mukwaya of Sandy Hook, received a bachelor’s degree from Smith College in Northampton, Mass., on Sunday, May 18. She was one of 710 seniors who graduated during the college’s 130th commencement exercises, during which the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Margaret Edson was the featured speaker. A 2004 graduate of Newtown High School, Paula majored in economics, with a minor in engineering science, while at Smith.

Thomas John (TJ) Sharpe graduated with an associates of arts degree from Valley Forge Military Junior College, in Wayne, Penn., on Friday, May 16. TJ’s degree focus was in business administration. He attained the rank of second lieutenant while at Valley Forge, and was the ranking cadet assigned to the admissions office. In addition, his high GPA accorded admission into the prestigious Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society in his freshman year, and he served as the society president for the 2007-08 school year.

TJ has been accepted as a junior transfer this September into the Business School at Bentley College in Waltham, Mass. At Bentley he plans to pursue a bachelor of arts degree in business administration and economics.

TJ is a 2006 graduate of Newtown High School, and the son of Kirsten and Tom Sharpe.

Five residents were among the more than 920 students who received undergraduate degrees during the 90th Commencement Exercises on Sunday, May 18, at Providence College. Colin Curran of Newtown received a bachelor of arts in public and community service studies, cum laude; Joseph DeFeo of Newtown received a bachelor of science in finance; Lauren Ross of Sandy Hook received a bachelor of arts in history, cum laude; Kyle Shukie of Newtown received a bachelor of science in accountancy; and Jennifer Stephens of Newtown received a bachelor of science in computer science.

At a ceremony held Thursday, May 29, Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury awarded more than 500 associate degrees and certificates to students from 69 towns in Connecticut. Among the graduates were Michelle E. Crumb, Catherine B. Michaud, Michael J. Serock, Danielle Tenk, Yvonne Tovar-Patelli, all of Newtown.

Connecticut’s most talented young scientists and engineers were recently honored by the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering for outstanding school projects. Among those honored were Newtown High School senior Rebecca Reed, who won first place in the 2008 Junior Science and Humanities Symposium with her project, “Neural Network Activated Muscle Response,” and Newtown Middle School eighth grade student Jill Theile, who created one of the 11 Invention Convention winning projects recognized at the annual awards dinner. Other ceremonies by the academy included the induction of world renowned scientists from Yale University, University of Connecticut, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The New Haven Lawn Club hosted the event with dinner for the student winners, families, and teacher advisors.