College students earn distinction, degrees

Western New England University

SPRINGFIELD — The Western New England University Alumni Association announces the 2019 Skookum Awards of Excellence, established in 1989 as a way to recognize outstanding achievements. It recognizes the commitment and dedicated service of students throughout their college career by demonstrated leadership roles on campus, community service/volunteer experiences, and participation in athletics and cocurricular programs.

Local recipient Sarah Waterhouse of Middletown is working toward a bachelor of arts degree in secondary education/English.

James Madison University

HARRISONBURG, Va. — James Madison University recently welcomed the class of 2023 to campus. Among them are Clinton residents Madison Emmi, Connor Derry and Sydney Church, as well as Killingworth resident Emma Stillman

Lasell University

NEWTON, Mass. — Lasell University welcomed more than 580 new students to campus recently. Among them: Nicholas Muratori of Clinton, accounting; Olivia Beckwith of Higganum, English; Georgia Sylvester of Old Saybrook, entrepreneurship; Dalton Brown of Killingworth, exercise science; Alexandra Stevas of Portland, fashion merchandising and management; Jack Molesky of Old Saybrook, finance; Andrew Morro of Durham, secondary education and history, and Mylena Cruz of Westbrook

Kingswood Oxford

WEST HARTFORD — The College Board has named 62 Kingswood Oxford students as AP Scholars for 2019, based on their exceptional achievement on the Advanced Placement exams they took in May. Students are designated AP Scholars with Honors if they receive an average of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. Those honored include Middletown resident Elise Gendrich, class of 2010.

Watkinson School

HARTFORD — Area students celebrated Watkinson School’s 138th commencement June 7 by delivering speeches. Among them were Avery Schmitz of Portland and Sierra Ramos of Middletown.

Any graduating senior can opt to perform or speak at graduation, but they must go through a long, serious process of draft writing, reflection and practice, attending to deadlines along the way. Senior presentations ranged from heartfelt speeches to humorous reflections to original songs.