Two arts students honored with special scholarships at Somerset County Vocational-Technical High School

Two seniors from the Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School’s (SCVTHS) TOPS (Technical Occupational Preparation for Success) program received 2018 Carol Levasseur Memorial Scholarships at an awards ceremony on the school’s campus in Bridgewater.

The TOPS program at SCVTHS is a nationally recognized alternative education program, which provides academic, vocational and counselling services to Somerset County high school students.  

The two winners of this year’s scholarship are Dustin Alfrey of Fords and Anthony Quinones of Bound Brook. The students were chosen for the award because of their dedication to the arts and their commitment to continue their studies to pursue a professional career.

Alfrey, a cosmetology student at SCVTHS, intends to channel his passion for painting toward his goal of eventually becoming an entrepreneur in the cosmetology industry.  “My participation in the arts has given me an expanded vision of myself and helped me to realize the amount of possibilities that are open to me,” said Alfrey, who plans to continue his education at Middlesex Community College in the fall, where he plans to study color theory, design and business administration.

Quinones, a graphic communications student at SCVTHS, intends to continue expressing himself through his drawing and creative writing, especially poetry. He plans to enter Raritan Valley Community College in the fall and eventually would like to teach literature. “Writing poetry has helped me become more in touch with the world and with myself. I would like to hopefully have the honor of helping someone else find that connection as well,” he said.

The Carol Levasseur Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2012 by SCVTHS employee Sharleen Leahey in memory of her partner, a landscape painter who lived and worked in Somerville. Since 2012 the scholarship has been given to a total of 11 students. The funds for the award were donated by Fulton Bank of New Jersey in addition to individual donors who attended an annual fundraiser. This year’s two winners were each awarded $400 to assist them with college expenses.  

For more information on the TOPS Program at SCVTHS, contact Chris Lemongelli at 908- 526-8900, ext. 7123.

Adele DeLeeuw Scholarships 

Twenty-one students from area high schools received a total of $55,000 in scholarships from the Adele DeLeeuw Scholarship Fund at a dinner conducted on June 12 at the Spain Inn, Piscataway. The scholarships are financed by a bequest from Adele DeLeeuw, longtime Plainfield resident, author of 75 books, journalist and arts activist.

The Plainfield-North Plainfield Rotary club administers the Adele DeLeeuw Scholarship Fund and is one of five local Rotary clubs that provide scholarships from the Fund to students in their communities who pursue a course of study in poetry, art, journalism, writing or engineering. This year’s awards bring the Fund’s twenty-three year total distribution to over $1.3 million dollars.

READ: The good things students are doing in Central Jersey and beyond

READ: Education news from around the region

LOOK and READ: Graduation coverage of the Class of 2018 

Three college students who received the scholarship for four consecutive years were honored as Adele DeLeeuw Senior Scholars. Recipients were Melody Njoku from North Plainfield High School, Roland Crystal of Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School and Shweta Modi from Edison High School.

Scholarship recipients from the graduating class of 2018 included Julia Amiano and Sierra Heuvelman of Watchung Hills Regional High School, Madison Goldberg and Ryan Lopez of Scotch-Plains Fanwood High School and Clifford Stueck of the Wardlaw-Hartridge School in Edison.

The Scholarship Fund also provided continuing scholarships to college students Brenda Okereke from North Plainfield High School; Kenar Myers from Plainfield High School; Nolan Berry, Tyler Curtis, Scott Riccardi and Nicholas Ruzicka from South Plainfield High School; Anthony Raphael, Joshua Schmidt and Christopher Silva from Watchung Hills Regional High School; Kenyela Horn and Alexa-Jada Nelson from Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School and Tyler Crown and Nithya Narayanan from Union County Magnet High School.

 Applications for the 2019 Adele DeLeeuw Scholarships will be available in January from public and private area high school guidance offices in Plainfield, North Plainfield, South Plainfield, Warren, Watchung, Edison, Scotch Plains and Fanwood. For further information, call Johanna Salvemini, Scholarship Administrator, at 908- 755-8098.

Berkeley College

The following Central Jersey residents received their degrees on May 11 from Berkeley College:

Avenel: Nicolle Castillo,certificate in medical assistant; Melanie Cossati,  associate's degree in health sciences; Sarah Dorak, associate's degree in criminal justice; Tiquann Loftin*, associate's degree in business administration/management; Giovanni Paipay, bachelor's degree in business administration/management

Carteret: Miguel Chumpitazi, associate's degree criminal justice; Gloria Cruz,  bachelor's degree in fashion merchandising/management; Kaitlyn Denton, associate's degree in legal studies; Samuel Gonzalez, associate's degree in business administration/management; Kelly Halladay, bachelor's degree in marketing communications; Jasbir Judge, bachelor's degree in legal studies; Myrna Krissoff, bachelor's degree in accounting; Wanda Maldonado*, bachelor's degree in accounting; Jelisa Oliveras, certificate in medical assistant; Kyana Perez, associate's degree in health sciences; Omar Popayan, certificate medical assistant; Laura Riano*, bachelor's degree in general business; Miriam Rodriguez, bachelor's degree in accounting; Brandon Rodriguez, bachelor's degree in criminal justice; Angelica Sanchez, certificate in medical assistant; Shantae Smith, associate's degree in fashion merchandising/management; Jude St. John*, bachelor's degree in accounting

Colonia: Brandon Curto, bachelor's degree in criminal justice; Daniel Molineaux, associate's degree in legal studies

Dunellen: Shakira Herrera, bachelor's degree in criminal justice

East Brunswick: Alexis Maimone*, associate's degree in criminal justice; Milagros Perez, associate's degree in business administration/management; Mercadyes Smith, associate's degree in fashion merchandising/management

Edison: Windy Bruno*+,  bachelor's degree in business administration/ management; Maryann Doan*, certificate in medical assistant; Natalia Gulyaeva*, associate's degree in health services administration/medical insurance, billing and coding; Dipendra Kayastha, associate's degree in information technology management; Christina Maravelias, associate's degree in surgical technology; Aesha Patel*,certificate in surgical processing technician; Gopali Pomal*, bachelor's degree in accounting; Fathima Rushda*,  bachelor's degree in health services management; John Sherman, associate's degree in business administration/ management; Bria Spurlin, associate's degree in criminal justice; Sivapriya Vepuri, bachelor's degree in legal studies; Nauticaliz Villanueva, associate's degree in criminal justice

Fords: Francisca Konwai, bachelor's degree in nursing; Jedlyn Tordecilla, bachelor's degree in marketing communications;

Hopelawn: Victoria Benavente, bachelor's degree in international business; Shannon Hegedus, certificate in practical nurse

Iselin: Jean Evans-Thrower, bachelor's degree in general business; Sabina Opechowski*, bachelor's degree in accounting; Ishani Patel*, certificate in surgical processing technician; Khushbu Patel*, certificate in surgical processing technician; Tayaba Shah*, bachelor's degree in fashion merchandising/management

Jamesburg: Jasmine Arellano, associate's degree in business administration; Carlos Bernal, associate's degree in criminal justice; Chelsey Santos* associate's degree in business administration/management

Keasbey: Jose Chang, associate's degree in business administration/ management; Jessica Diaz, associate's degree in criminal justice; Luis Iberos*, bachelor's degree in criminal justice; Afreen Imtiaz*, associate's degree in health services administration

Middlesex: Fatima Harris*, of Middlesex, associate's degree in information technology management; Tonya Johansen, associate's degree in legal studies; Kerri- Ann John*, bachelor's degree in business administration; Shonnelle Wason, bachelor's degree in fashion merchandising/ management

Monmouth Junction: Meena Pinninti, bachelor's degree in health services management

Monroe Township: Nyasia Ramos*, bachelor's degree in business administration/management

New Brunswick: Gina Celentano,certificate in medical assistant; Michael Dominguez*, associate's degree in criminal justice; Tameira Headley, associate's degree in business administration/management; Melissa Iberos, associate's degree in health services administration; Citialy Luis Lopez, certificate in medical assistant; Jasmin Reyes, bachelor's degree in general business; Karlyn Reyes Gonzalez, certificate in medical assistant; Kim Lee Soto, bachelor's degree in criminal justice; Stephanie Vasquez Sosa, certificate in medical assistant; Aracely Xelhua, certificate in medical assistant; Jeelanmy Zapata,bachelor's degree in legal studies

North Brunswick: Shaquille Carswell, certificate in surgical processing technician; Demetria Foster, master's degree in business administration; Yamilett Garcia, associate's degree in business administration; Cristhian Llauca Soto, certificate in patient care technician; Kiara Peralta Siri, associate's degree in health sciences; Mariyah Rich*, certificate in surgical processing technician

Old Bridge: Jenine Gugliucci*+, bachelor's degree in fashion merchandising; Alex Hernandez Gonzalez, associate's degree in business administration; Danielle Lapoint, bachelor's degree in health services management; Kristin Panaro, bachelor's degree in general business; Tatiana Rojas, associate's degree in criminal justice

Parlin: Joshua Alvarado*,associate's degree in criminal justice; Veronica Antonelos*, associate's degree in criminal justice; Williams Armah, bachelor's degree in information technology management; Yadira Bonilla*, bachelor's degree in international business; Conley Carter, bachelor's degree in business administration/ management; Shaina Cesare, certificate in medical assistant; Gina Engallena*, bachelor's degree in legal studies; Jeffrey Hemhauser*, bachelor's degree in criminal justice; Jason Hicks, bachelor's degree in accounting; Danielle Iosue, bachelor's degree in marketing communications; Tiffany Lee, bachelor's degree in health services management; Dominique Marino*, associate's degree in medical assistant; Kevin Trellis*, bachelor's degree in nursing; Kevin Walters*+, bachelor's in graphic design

Perth Amboy: Desiree Adorno, of Perth Amboy, bachelor's degree in criminal justice; Yuleissy Alcantara, bachelor's degree in criminal justice; Luisilda Almanzar*, bachelor's degree in business administration; Day Ana Alvarez, certificate in medical assistant; Joseph Aquino*, associate's degree in criminal justice; Jesus Barrientos Quispilaya, associate's degree in international business; Natalis Batista*, bachelor's degree in criminal justice; Yida Beco*, certificate in medical assistant; Lashonda Bright*,certificate in surgical processing technician; Clarissa Caraballo, bachelor's degree in fashion merchandising; Shannon Castillo,certificate in medical assistant; Jeanette Cepeda, bachelor's degree in general business; Omar Chavez, bachelor's degree in accounting; Esther Corcino, certificate in medical assistant; Adson Denis, associate's degree in criminal justice; Stacey Escobar*, associate's degree in health services administration; Brittany Fairman, associate' s degree in criminal justice; Ghina Franco, associate's degree in criminal justice; Yulisa Hernandez, associate's degree in fashion merchandising; Anny Jerez-Canela, master's degree in business administration; Renee LaCroix*, associate's degree in criminal justice; Madelyn Marte, bachelor's degree in general business; Santiago Menjivar, associate's degree in criminal justice; Liliana Mongelli, associate's degree in business administration; Smerlyn Mota, associate's degree in criminal justice; Yanira Nunez, certificate in medical assistant; Ramon Nunez*, bachelor's degree in criminal justice; Zoliam Orengo*, associate's degree in criminal justice; Andy Ortega, bachelor's degree criminal justice; Emily Pena, certificate in medical assistant; Jahaira Perez, certificate in medical assistant; Tatiana Perez, certificate in medical assistant; Elizabeth Placencia*, bachelor's degree in health services management; Alyssa Rivera, associate's degree in criminal justice; Mareiliz Rodriguez, associate's degree in health services administration; Arelys Rodriguez, bachelor's degree in criminal justice; Sheila Sanchez, associate's degree in business administration; Diana Santiago, associate's degree in business administration; Karina Urena* associate's degree in business administration; Vanessa Warren, associate's degree in health services administration

Piscataway: Johana Cifuentes, bachelor's degree in criminal justice; Donald Colley*, bachelor's degree in international business; Norman Davion R. Pullin, associate's degree in fashion merchandising; Jaquan Hudson, associate's degree in criminal justice; Dorca Orellana*, associate's degree in health services administration; Kishan Patel*, associate's degree in business administration;
Brooke Pecunies*, bachelor's degree in interior design; Erika Peterson, associate's degree in fashion merchandising; Amani Pullum, associate's degree in business administration

Port Reading: Alexis Gavaza, bachelor's degree in marketing communications; Tammy Nelson*, certificate in medical assistant; Stacey Woody, associate's degree in fashion merchandising

Sayreville: Portia Carter, certificate in practical nurse; Melissa Droulette*, associate's degree in business administration; Mayra Guevara, associate's degree in business administration; Isadore Hawkins, associate's degree in business administration; Anabelle Rodriguez*, associate's degree in criminal justice; Gabrielle Tamayo*, bachelor's degree in fashion merchandising; Janet Tweneboah, certificate in medical assistant

Sewaren: Richard Bernat* bachelor's degree in criminal justice

South Amboy: Alison England*, of South Amboy, bachelor's degree criminal justice; Jessica Le Comte*,certificate in surgical processing technician; Daniel Sarafian*+, bachelor's degree in fashion merchandising

South Plainfield: Oscar Alvarez*, bachelor's degree in criminal justice; Bertha Calderon*, associate's degree in criminal justice; Esther Oduro*, associate's degree in business administration/accounting; Tina Santora*, associate's degree in health services administration; Francisco Urtecho*, bachelor's degree in general business

South River: Christofer Aarons, associate's degree in fashion merchandising; Tiare Martinez*, certificate in practical nurse; Veronica Rodrigues*, bachelor's degree in marketing communications

Spotswood: Thomas Kwiatkowski, bachelor's degree in criminal justice; Morgan Zmijewski*, certificate in surgical processing technician

Woodbridge: Yesica Alberto, bachelor's degree in criminal justice

NOTE: *students graduating with honors; +graduate of the honors program

Georgia Institute of Technology

The following Central Jersey residents received their degrees on May 5 from Georgia Institute Technology in Atlanta:

Dhushyanth Ramasamy of Cranbury, master's degree in computer science

David Arida of East Brunswick, bachelor's degree in computer science

Benjamin Lazar of East Brunswick, bachelor degree in computer engineering

Nyles McLean of East Brunswick, bachelor's degree in industrial engineering

Keshav Raghavendran of Edison, bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering

Aneesa Sonawalla of Edison, master's degree in electrical and computer engineering

Yatharth Dubey of Kendall Park, bachelor's degree in industrial engineering and in computer science

Isha Markale of Monmouth Junction, bachelor's degree in chemical and biomolecular engineering

Samantha Riemann of North Brunswick, bachelor's degree in chemistry

Darin Itdhanuvekin of Old Bridge, master's degree in computer science

Yeong Cho of North Brunswick, bachelor's degree in computer engineering

Phillip Thompson of Piscataway, master's degree in human-computer interaction

Anushka Gupta of Plainsboro, bachelor's degree in industrial engineering and in computer science

William Wright of Princeton, bachelor's degree in business administration

Abhijit Ravindran of Princeton, bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering

Niandong Xu of Princeton, bachelor's degree in computer science

Gonzaga University

Madeleine Glancey of Princeton was named to the spring president's list at Gonzaga Univesity in Spokane, Washington. Students must achieve a grade-point average 3.85 to 4.0

Middlesex: Von E. Mauger Middle School

Middlesex County College

Two Middlesex County College students, Laura Mujia of East Brunswick and Joshua Yigdal of Monroe Township received awards from the Rutgers University Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Treatment Program this spring. Mujia received the Clinical Excellence Award for demonstrating superior clinical skills at her practicum placement, and Yigdal received the Academic Excellence Award for having the highest grade point average.

The Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Treatment Program is a partnership between Rutgers and nine community colleges. The students complete their general education courses at MCC and then apply to the Rutgers School of Health Professions for the professional phase of the program. They then complete 30 credits and receive their Associate Degree from both schools. Every year, each program at Rutgers-SHP nominates students for the clinical excellence and academic excellence awards.  This year, both winners were from MCC.

“For the clinical piece of the program, students take the Clinical Practicum I & II courses where they are placed at a psychiatric rehabilitation program that provides mental health services to people who have psychiatric disabilities such as schizophrenia, bipolar illness, major depressive disorder, and schizoaffective disorder,” said Peter M. Basto, program director. “They spend two semesters — for a total of 480 hours — at the clinical site. We assess how well students puts into practice the knowledge and skills they learned in the classroom.”

Basto said they rely on feedback from the onsite clinical practicum supervisor, the faculty supervisor, observation of the student by faculty at  the clinical site, the students’ written work, and class discussions.

New Jersey Institute of Technology

NJIT has announced it will launch a forensic science bachelor's degree program — a unique program designed for undergraduate students interested in the rapidly expanding fields of forensic science and crime scene investigation.

The 120-credit degree will represent New Jersey’s only undergraduate forensic science degree, and the first baccalaureate degree program in the New York metropolitan region designed from the outset to achieve approval by the main accrediting body in college-level forensic science academics, the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC).

The program — offered through NJIT’s College of Science and Liberal Arts’ Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences — will feature a blend of forensic fieldwork opportunities, as well as advanced study of analytical methods, evidence and procedural law, and laboratory procedures used by forensic scientists in crime and investigative laboratories at the state and federal levels.

The announcement of NJIT’s forensic science program has received early endorsements from some of New Jersey's top law enforcement officials and leaders within the state’s forensic science communities.

“All students will participate in a 'Forensic Science Capstone' experience that entails a co-op position in a forensic science laboratory, a series of professional workshops, or extensive forensic science research,” said Belfield. “Students will gain hands-on experience in the latest analytical instrumentation and techniques used for trace evidence analysis, DNA identification, forensic microscopy, chain of custody procedures, and, importantly, expert witness courtroom testimony.”

The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics has predicted that employment opportunities for forensic science professionals will grow 17 percent from 2016 through 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Students will also be able to focus their study in the field through two options within the Forensic Science program: a Forensic Biochemistry Option (120 credit hours) and a Forensic Chemistry Option (120 credit hours). Each option contains advanced coursework in analytical chemistry in addition to further specialized courses in either biochemistry or chemistry.

The program’s academic credentials will also serve graduates pursuing careers in fields such as environmental and pharmaceutical industries, biotechnology, chemistry, homeland security, and regulatory agencies. Graduates may also apply their degree to pursue graduate degrees in STEM, medicine, dentistry or law.

To learn more about the program, visit https://csla.njit.edu/sites/csla/files/NJIT_Forensics_Science.pdf.

Roger Williams University 

The following Central Jersey residents at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island, were named to the spring dean's list: Daniella Alva of Piscataway, Cagnie Antczak of Kendall Park, Russell Azzarello of Matawan, Tyler Davis, Maia Didomenico, Candice Durant of Cranford, Phoebe Hare of Princeton, Elliot McGlew of New Brunswick. 

Springfield College

Christopher Graff of Old Bridge, received a bachelor's degree in health science from Springfield College in Massachusetts.

The State University of New York/New Paltz

Liliana Garcia of Edison was named to the spring dean's list at The State University of New York/New Paltz. Students must achieve a grade-point average of 3.3.

Thomas Edison State University

Marie Owens-Suarez of Piscataway received a bachelor's degree from Thomas Edison State University in Trenton. Owens-Suarez is a medical practice administration at the Orthopedic and Spine Center of New Jersey in Warren.

Tufts University

The following Central Jersey residents received their degrees on May 20 from Tufts University in Massachusetts: 

Matthew Purdy of Cranbury, bachelor's degree in civil engineering, cum laude

Dana Horowitz of East Brunswick, bachelor's degree in philosophy, summa cum laude

Elizabeth Bender of Cranford, bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering, magna cum laude

Kevin Halliday of Cranbury, bachelor's degree in computer science, summa cum laude

Hayley Carabello of New Brunswick, bachelor's degree in biology, cum laude

ALSO: The following were named to the spring dean's list: Athokshay Ashok of Plainsboro, Sophia Balsamo, Amanda Bank of Princeton, Elizabeth Bender, Bonnie Caldwell of Cranford, Hayley Carabello of New Brunswick, Nikita Chaubal of Monmouth Junction, Evan Hirschman of Princeton, Dana Horowitz of East Brunswick, Matthew Kim, Aditi Kocherlakota of Princeton, Imogen Lea of Cranbury, Aiden Lewis of North Brunswick, Amanda Moises of East Brunswick, Nived Parikh of Princeton, Sagar Patel of Monroe Township, Alexander Ratzan, Trevor Russo of Princeton, Eric Savage of Monmouth Junction, Holt Spalding, Nicola van Manen of Princeton, Annie Weng of Edison, Frank Yandrisevits of Princeton. Students must achieve a grade-point average of 3.4.

University of Albany

The following Central Jersey residents at the University of Albany in New York were named to the spring dean's list: Derek Balbierz of Somerset, Matthew Ciaccio of Milltown, Oriana Culbert of Parlin, Kaivalya Gorla of Monroe, Caleb Levine of East Brunswick, Jordan Moass of Union, Stephanos Tsarnas of Matawan. Students must achieve a grade-point average of 3.5

University of Delaware

The following Central Jersey residents at the University of Delaware were named to the spring dean's list: Aberdeen: Michael Groves, Angelica Rivera; Clark: Marissa Hampp, Joseph McIntyre, Maggie Wysocki; Colonia: Douglas Deter, Nicholas Filzen, Joseph Fugaro, Rebecca Glinn, Brendan Leviten, Nicholas Pannone, Sarah Post, Kyle Veltre; Cranford: Leigh Abramson, Marissa Dankosky, David Fonseca, Derek Keller, Ava Laverty, Ryan McGovern, Marko Obradovic, James Pipala, Christopher Remley, Zachary Roy, Brian Rubin, Taylor Schomp; Dayton: Brianna Rubino, Sarah Shaffer; East Brunswick: Aliza Vacca, Laura Chwatel, Matthew Duimstra, Christina Hines, Andrew Hoeni, Michael Kertes, Maya Kessler, Rebecca Kosher, Lindsay Merkel, Kenneth Mohs, Dana Palagonia, Chelsea Perez, Kaitlyn Roughan, Anna Volohov; East Windsor: Alissa Julius; Edison: Matthew Daniels, Nikita Dias, Morgan Duffy, Megan Gregory, Bianna Koutsenko, Justin Roure, Saumya Tummala, Jillian Vassallo; Elizabeth: Ashley Gregory; Fords: Kayli De La Cruz; Franklin Park: Brendan Benson; Helmetta: Jillian Costa; Kendall Park: Jamie Dellapa, Jonathan Fu, Ashley Gallagher, Nicole Hudak, Lauren McGregor, Arianna Mora, Kaylee Murillo, Alexis Rodriguez; Keyport: Charles Lambert; Laurence Harbor: Abigail Ambrosio; Linden: Jacqueline Fitzula, James Fostinis, Stephanie Krok; Matawan: Jessica Denney, Justina Downey, Bailee Formon, Andrew Garda, Jennifer Hayes, Colleen Keegan, Abby Reifenheiser, Miranda Scalzo, Tyler Walling, Serena Young; Metuchen: Nicholas Asreen, Heather Bianco, Thomas Comiskey, Lauren Delmonaco, Amanda Harding, Jessica Harding, Lauren Icarangal, Heather Jones, Rachel Rosen, Ryan Verlaque; Middlesex: Melissa Brower; Monmouth Junction: Hunter Basile, Allison Harkavy, Kelly Perkowski; Monroe Township: Jessica Albrecht, Jenna Babar, Matthew Ballman, Monica Bass, Amanda Campanaro, Brianna Campanaro, Hannah Fisher, Elisabeth Marchese, Kendall Marini, Kali Oriole, Michael Perrotta, Breanna Steele, Justine Tarsillo, Alexa Kutz; North Brunswick: Dana Brooks, Michael Dempsey, Kyle Reinson; Old Bridge: Emily Birardi, Amanda Caparelli, Catrina Carbone, Emily Carrington, Kayla Fenning, Jennifer Flint, Biaggio Gangemi, Alysha Jaitly, Joo Kim, Timothy Mazzarelli, Nicholas Zahabiun; Parlin: Melanie Lopez, Vanessa Rodriguez; Piscataway: Samantha DeLucia, Brandon Evers; Plainsboro: Steven Abrams, Victoria Calo, Sara Cvetanovic, Ricardo Stella, Sam Weiskopf; Princeton: Emma Campisi, Carly Conway, Sophia DiLeo, Darin Howell, Julianna Marabello, Tara McKenna; Rahway: Giovanni Chacon, Jenna Suarez; Sayreville: Frederick Younger; Somerset: Connor DeVoe, Jailyn Frazier, Brittany Georges, Navya Jagarlamudi; South Amboy: Daniel Rodzik; South Plainfield: Maggie Quintanilla; South River: Sabrina Melo, Allison Silva; Spotswood: Shay Decker, Nicholas Dellaglio, Kaylie Writt; Union: Natalie Caggiano, Julia Hayes, Steven Medina, Maria Rocha. Students must achieve a grade-point average of  3.33.

University of Hartford

The following Central Jersey residents at the University of Hartford in Connecticut were named to the spring dean's list: Luke Eltringham of Cranford; Samantha Peters of Dayton; Michelle Mor, Marlena Myers, Joshua Friedman of East Brunswick; Amanda Serpa, Nicole Carr of Edison; Jacqueline Heatter of Jamesburg; Matthew Baker of Linden; Jason Dunne of Matawan; Eric Mendez of Metuchen; Phillip Fisherman of North Brunswick; Samantha McAndrew of Old Bridge; Bryana Rivera of Rahway; Sara Kohut of Somerset; Emmanuel Onwunaka, Jennie Gedeus of Union. 

University of Pennsylvania

Brandon A. Santhumayor of Piscataway was named to the spring dean's list at the University of Pennsylvania. 

University of Scranton

The following Central Jersey residents graduated from the University of Scranton honors program: Erin F. Alexander of Linden, bachelor's degree in psychology and philosophy, summa cum laude; Lea A. Barny of Linden, bachelor's degree in neuroscience, summa cum laude; Alexandra S. Koutsoubis of Monroe Township, bachelor's degree in biology and philosophy, magna cum laude.

University of South Carolina Upstate

Felicia Bunjamin of Old Bridge was named to the spring chancellor's list at the University of South Carolina Upstate. Students must achieve a grade-point average of 4.0.

Widener University

The following Central Jersey residents received their degrees on May 19 from Widener University in Pennsylvania: 

Angie Madelein Amado Gonzalez of Avenel, master's degreee in electrical engineering 

Caroline Black of Princeton, master's degree in social work 

Elizabeth Kisenishsky of North Brunswick, master's degree in family nurse practitioner 

Vikas Patel of Kendall Park, master's degree in hospitality tourism 

Lauren Robson of Avenel, master's degree in social work 

Brielle Bannister of Sewaren, bachelor's degree in criminal justice 

James Boyle of Edison, bachelor's degree in criminal justice 

Alexander Koltz of East Brunswick, bachelor's degree in management 

Anna LaPlaca of Princeton, bachelor's degree in nursing 

Eva Reyes of Cranbury, bachelor's degree in fine arts 

Student and School news appears on Fridays. Email:hntmetro@mycentraljersey