Kansas State University has announced its 2002 area graduation candidates. They were Megan Brown and Jason Heffner, Baldwin; Patsy Brunk, Justin Hime and Devin Schehrer, Eudora; Luke Armstrong, Henri Doner-Hedrick, Ross Goodwin, Peter Grant, Jacob Hawkins, Erika Jones, Jill Kettler, Laura Lewis, Robert Neu, Amber Plumb, Kori Podszus, Elizabeth Rice, Jessica Shirk, Scott Tallman, Allegra Toll and Angela Williams, Lawrence; Trevor Johnson and Laura Mages, Ottawa; Nicholas Judd, Pomona; Aaron Dunbar, Richmond; Darren Coughenour and Shannon Sloan, Wellsville; David Kelly, Candy Koleber, Beth Schrader and Nancy Sproul, McLouth; Janessa Akin, Wesley Stueve and Andrew Wiegert, Meriden; Audrey Craig and Russell Essman, Oskaloosa; Miranda Foster, Sarah Gordinier and Elaine Washburn, Ozawkie; Brandi Crum and Travis Harper, Perry; Dustin Boyd, Janey Gordon, Shelby Hayden, Amy Johnson and Christopher Saathoff, Valley Falls; Nicole Fraker, Winchester; Joseph Podrebarac, Basehor; Cassidy Leavy, Linwood; and Amy Bernard, Jeff Bowen, Jeffrey Breuer, and Stanley Burkin, Tonganoxie.

Catherine Kelly, Lawrence, was selected to attend the 19th Annual Governor’s Scholars Award Program. The recognition ceremony honors the top academic 1 percent of Kansas high school seniors. Kelly is a senior at Free State High School. She is the daughter of Alton and Mary Kelly.

Ben Lomax, a Free State High School teacher, has been selected from a national applicant pool to attend one of 28 summer study opportunities supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities. The endowment is a federal agency that each summer supports seminars and institutes at colleges and universities so that teachers can study with experts in humanities disciplines.

Lomax will participate in an institute entitled “Four Centuries of Struggle: The History of the Southern Civil Rights Movement.” The five-week program will be conducted at Jackson State University and directed by Leslie Burl McLemore.

The 25 teachers selected to participate in the program receive a stipend of $3,250 to cover their travel, study and living expenses.

Wylie Bell, a 1993 Tonganoxie High School graduate, was awarded a doctoral degree in dental surgery from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on May 10. Bell is the son of Leon and Anita Bell, rural Tonganoxie, and the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Wiley Wilson, Lawrence, and Mr. and Mrs. Rex Bell, Lincoln, Neb.

Scott Tallman graduated May 18 from Kansas State University with a degree in business administration. He is a 1997 graduate of Lawrence High School. His parents are Joyce Tallman, Lawrence, and Larry Tallman, Los Angeles.

The piano students of Holly Beneventi presented their spring recital at Presbyterian Manor. Students who performed were Leah Coons, Gillian Marsh, Kelsey Kilburn, Holly Bowman, Erica Lignell, Stephen Bowman, Adelle Loney, Kara Mishler, Jackson Ferguson, Elise Loney, Adam Lignell, Will Marsh, Hilary Ferguson, Carolyn Dinsdale, Erin Robinson and Wallis Romzek.

Six of Beneventi’s students became members of the National Fraternity of Student Musicians, sponsored by the National Guild of Piano Teachers, by playing several prepared pieces for an adjudicator. Those students were Stephen Bowman, Hilary Ferguson, Carolyn Dinsdale, Jennifer McCandless, Erin Robinson and Micah Willoughby.

Katherine Allen and Laura Darnell, both of Lawrence, received diplomas May 11 during commencement exercises at Harding University, Searcy, Ark. Allen is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rand Allen, Lawrence. Darnell is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jay Darnell, Lawrence.

Friends University, Wichita, has announced its area 2002 graduates. They were: Yvonne Sudduth, Basehor; Stephanie Peltier, DeSoto; Daniel Peters, Eudora; Nathan Feldt, Mary Hawkins, Anthony Hubbard, Jeff Kueser, George Lebar, Matthew Sarna, Bruce Stewart, Charity Wapp and Mark Weber, Lawrence; Dawn Coldwell, Ottawa; Heather Sisson, Overbrook; Cynthia Sellers, Tecumseh; Matthew Clayton and Stacey Strain, Tonganoxie; and Jason Scott, Wellsville.

Sandi Biszantz is one of several Truman State University students who is traveling to Costa Rica this summer on an eight-week study abroad program. While in Costa Rica, Biszantz will live with a host family and study the language, history, politics and geography of Costa Rica and Latin America. Biszantz is a junior majoring in psychology. She is the daughter of Robert and Patricia Biszantz, Lawrence.

Emporia State University has announced its area 2002 graduates. They were: Barbara Despain, Baldwin; Sandra Hueser and Autumn Newman, Eudora; Erica Belizean, Kathryn Branson, Kristin Brune, Darrick Doleman, Marcy McCabe, Moses Muro, Christian Nelson, Matthew Reese, Christopher Roady, Elizabeth Schmitz, Cynthia Stoner, John Tollefson and Brett Wedel, Lawrence; Carrie Brigham, Amber Edelbrock, Tracy Fritts, Kendra Halligan, Amy Jones, Kimberly Luckert, Timothy McClay, Thomas Pearce, Julia Persinger and Sheryl Servatius-Brown, Ottawa; Libby Schmanke, Oskaloosa; Angela Thompson, Ozawkie; Leslie Jones, Perry; Katherine Jennings, Valley Falls; Deborah Freeman and Susan Ross, DeSoto; Melissa Pinick, Basehor; Amy Brundage, Charles Feagans and Gloria Reischman, Tonganoxie; and Heather Bowman, Anthony Brummer, Dierra Dunlop, John Headrick and Delaney Wolken, Osawatomie.

Anne Stephens graduated with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts in anthropology from Kansas University. She graduated from the KU Honors Program, was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, and recognized as a Graduate of Highest Distinction. She is in two bands, “Family Reunion,” and “Pathos.” She plays bass and guitar. She also is a vocalist for a contemporary service at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church each week. She plans to continue working at Mass Street Music and pursue a career in music. She is the daughter of John and Barbara Stephens, Lawrence.

Melissa Dray, a 1998 graduate of Lawrence High School, received a bachelor’s degree in dance management from Oklahoma City University, where she graduated magna cum laude. She is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. James A. Dray, Lawrence.

Hayley Morgan, Lawrence, was initiated into the Delta Mu chapter of Order of Omega, a national Greek honor society, during the 2002 spring semester. Members of Order of Omega are selected based on their dedication to leadership, service and scholarship. Hayley is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma at Iowa State University.

Pittsburg State University has announced its area 2002 graduates. They were: Christy Cernech and Bradley Hoffman, Basehor; Angela Benlon and Christina Nolan, DeSoto; Erin Hamilton, Eudora; Kyle Miller, Jacob Montney and Brianna Reeves, Lawrence; Daniel Shirley, Meriden; Candace Hochard and Timothy Pierce, McLouth; Shalaine Light, Joshua Madden, Gregory McMullen, Osawatomie; Chad Daniels, Oskaloosa; David Hunt, Overbrook; Jennifer Lord, Michael Rodriguez and Susan Scott, Stilwell; and Chloe Downey, Tonganoxie.

Theodis Jackson, DeSoto, earned an associate degree during commencement exercises May 11 at Garden City Community College.

Mark Craig, Lawrence; Stacy Walsh, Baldwin; and Wylie Bell, Tonganoxie, received degrees during commencement exercises May 11 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Students from Baker University’s College of Arts and Sciences were recognized for their significant academic achievements at the university’s Academic and Leadership Honors Convocation. Those recognized were: Anthony Zuzzio, Candace Jones, Craig Alexander, Erick Vaughn, Evan Durnal, Jesse Cardens, Kendra Knight, Michelle Hewitt, Selena Gillespie and Star Novak, Baldwin; Jeremy Wohletz, Basehor; Jason Webb, Berryton; Amanda Leach, DeSoto; Amanda Miller, Edgerton; Andrea McCrate, Andrew Woolard, Angela Koons, Christina Wacker, Colin Baumchen, Janice Nesler-Loux, John Hill III, Kristin Bock, Patrick Lattin and Sarah Chrislip, Lawrence; Jacob Bucher and Lydia Krebs, Oskaloosa; Sheri Mitchell, Overbrook; Becki Cargo, Laura Driver, and Lee Driver, Pomona; Trevor Potts and Aaron Meggison, Tecumseh; Annette Evans and Matthew Needham, Tonganoxie; and Amy Howard, and Donna Krueger, Wellsville.

Jenny Lord, Stilwell; Jessica Steffey, McLouth; and Corrie Madill, Lawrence, were recognized during the annual spring Pittsburg State Student Leadership Banquet. Lord was honored as being an outstanding chapter member of Sigma Sigma Sigma. Steffey and Madill received scholarships.

Coffeyville Community College has announced area students who earned honors during the spring 2002 semester. Students who made the President’s 4.0 honor roll are Dawn Clements, Scott Harris and Joe Zogg, Ottawa; Jeremy Rodecap, Perry; and Brandon Griffin, Valley Falls. Josh Swenson, Lawrence, made the President’s honor roll by earning at least a 3.75 grade point average. Benjamin Cosman, Baldwin, made the Dean’s list by receiving at least a 3.4 GPA.

Kansas State University’s chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, a national academic honor society, has named new spring initiates. Area members are Andrew Newton, Stilwell, Jonathan Lamb, Tonganoxie, and Brett Lymann, Wellsville.

The following Lawrence students earned the master of educational technology degree at MidAmerica Nazarene University, Olathe: Becky Cook, Scott Forkenbrock, Margaret Gray, Lisa Harrod and Patrick Naughton. Emili Stoll earned the master of education degree.

McDonald’s of Lawrence has announced the recipients of the Ray Kroc award. They are: Eugene Featherman, Chelsea Dirks-Ham, Paul Dreger, Kelly Simmons, Brian Workman, Lindsay Wiseman, Sunny Huang, Anthony Frei, Dahlia Grossman-Heinz, Scott Penny, Jennifer Schaetzel and Chris Trepinski, all of Lawrence junior high schools.

The award, named after Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald’s Corp., honors students for their achievements. The award is based on citizenship, leadership, scholarship and sportsmanship.

Nicholas Schafer, Perry, has received the Perry Rural and Perry-Lecompton High School Alumni Assn. Scholarship. The $350 scholarship was established to allow graduates of Perry-Lecompton High School to continue their education at the university, college, trade or technical school of their choice.

During his years at Perry-Lecompton High School, he has been involved in Equestrian Club, Technology Club, Blue Krew, Eliminators, Kaw Excel Program, Point Five Club, Math Relays, Scholars Bowl, golf and football. Nicholas also was selected as a Kansas Honor Scholar and is an academic letterman and a golf letterman. He has participated on the Ecology Field Day Team. He has been active in 4-H and with his church. He is the son of Patrick and Kerry Schafer, Perry.

Burt Schreiber, Overbrook, has been named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2002 semester at Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Mo., by achieving at least a 3.5 grade point average.

Nathan Beard, Lawrence, received a bachelor’s degree in religion and philosophy from Sterling College. He graduated cum laude. Beard is the son of Phil and Eileen Beard.

Jenni Nieva-Robinson and Ryan Robinson, Lawrence, announce the birth of a son, Hayden Conrad Robinson, born May 22 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center.

Stephanie Parker and Ryan Wiles, Lawrence, announce the birth of a son, Austin Jacob Wiles, born May 22 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center.

Brandi Larson and Nicholas Sauke, Lawrence, announce the birth of a son, Aidan Michael Sauke, born April 22 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center.

Tammy and Dale Arfmann Jr., Lawrence, announce the birth of a daughter, Susie Jo Arfmann, born May 1 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center.

Sara and Scott Robeson, Lawrence, announce the birth of a daughter, Abigail Meadow Robeson, born May 21 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center.

Julie and Christopher Lange, Lawrence, announce the birth of a daughter, Olivia Constance Lange, born May 24 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center.

Michelle and Matthew Needham, Lawrence, announce the birth of a daughter, Maisy Jane Needham, born May 27 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center.

Marisa Porzig, Lawrence, received a degree in May 2002 from Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.

Lisa Heere, Lawrence, was chosen to attend the 60th annual session of Sunflower Girls State at Kansas University. Heere is the daughter of Rick and Ginger Heere.

Christina Neighbors, Lawrence, and John Deitrich, Overbrook, made the Dean’s List for the 2002 spring semester at Cloud County Community College, Concordia, by earning at least a 3.6 grade-point average.

Christopher Wilkins, Lawrence, graduated magna cum laude in May 2002 from Duke University, Durham, N.C. He received a bachelor’s degree in history.

Kathryn Jennings, Lawrence, has been named a recipient of an academic scholarship from the World Floor Covering Assn.

Jaime Florance, Overbrook, was named to the President’s Honor Roll for the spring 2002 semester at Missouri Western State College, St. Joseph, Mo. Florance earned a 4.0 grade-point average.

Erin Case, Lawrence, was named to the spring 2002 semester honor roll at the University of Oklahoma, Norman, Okla., by earning at least a 3.5 grade-point average.

Katherine Allen and Laura Darnell, both of Lawrence, made the Dean’s List for the 2002 spring semester at Harding University, Searcy, Ark., by receiving at least a 3.65 grade-point average. Allen is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rand Allen. Darnell is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jay Darnell.

Sarah Tyson received a bachelor’s degree in May 2002 from Earlham College, Richmond, Ind. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa and received college and departmental honors. She is the daughter of Toni Tyson, Lawrence, and Carl Tyson, Austin, Tex.

Casey Cook, Lawrence, made the Dean’s List during the spring 2002 semester at Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, La., by earning at least a 3.2 grade point average.

Trudy Carter, Overbrook, made the Dean’s List during the 2002 spring semester at Central Missouri State University, Warrensburg, Mo., by earning a 4.0 grade-point average.