PEOPLE BRIEFS

The Misericordia University Chapter of Pi Theta Epsilon, the National Occupational Therapy Honor Society, recently inducted Rachel Helms Pirouz of Dallas, during an induction ceremony on campus.

The honor is bestowed upon the top students in the occupational therapy department at Misericordia University. Students must achieve at least a 3.5 grade point average to be considered and also be in the top 20 percent of their occupational therapy class. The students must also display the potential to take on a leadership role in the profession.

The daughter of Robert and Cynthia Helms, Pirouz is enrolled in the masters of occupational therapy program at Misericordia University. She is scheduled to graduate in August 2011.

Jackson named to dean’s list

Jill Jackson, daughter of Shavertown residents Sandra and Ted Jackson, was named to the dean’s list at Ithaca College’s School of Health Sciences and Human Performance for the fall 2009 semester.

A freshman physical therapy major, Jackson qualified for this academic honor by attaining a minimum grade point average of 3.5 and completing a minimum of 15 credit hours, of which at least 12 are graded.

Onzik on dean’s list at Ithaca

Ann Onzik, daughter of Edward and Maryanne Onzik of Shavertown, was named to the dean’s list at Ithaca College’s School of Health Sciences and Human Performance with a GPA of 3.5.

Dr. Brenda Hage completes certification

Brenda Hage, Ph.D., C.R.N.P., of Dallas, associate professor of nursing and director of graduate nursing programs at Misericordia University, has completed national board certification requirements to become a gerontological nurse practitioner.

Dr. Hage is a family nurse practitioner and maintains an active clinical practice in the specialty of physical medicine and rehabilitation with Northeastern Rehabilitation Associates, Wilkes-Barre.

She received her associate’s degree in nursing from Luzerne County Community College, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of the State of New York, Albany, and her Master of Science degree in nursing from Misericordia University. She earned a Ph.D. in health related sciences with a specialization in gerontology from Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia.

Pyros named to dean’s list

Alia Pyros, daughter f Jeff and Teri Pyros, of Shavertown, has been named to the dean’s list for the fall 2009 academic term at Elmira College.

The dean’s list recognizes students who have a grade point average of 3.6 or higher.

Two named to dean’s list

Morgan Horwatt and Zachary Luzzi, both of Dallas, have been named to the dean’s list at Paul Smith’s College for the fall 2009 semester. Each earned a semester average of 3.3 or higher to receive this distinction.

Horwatt is enrolled in the college’s Division of Hospitality, Resort and Culinary Management while Luzzi is enrolled in the college’s School of Forestry and Natural Resources.

Regnosky named to president’s list

Heather Regnosky, of Dallas, has been named to the fall 2009 president’s list at Mansfield University.

To be named to the president’s list, a student must be attending the university full-time and attain a perfect 4.0 GPA for the semester.

Dalton woman wins Blue Chip Farms raffle

Blue Chip Farms Animal Refuge, a no-kill animal organization, held its Sweetheart Raffle drawing on Saturday, Feb 14, at Hogan’s Heroes & PizzaRestaurant in Dallas.

Jennifer Kura, of Dalton, was the winner and will enjoy dinner at Pazzo’s on Route 315 in Pittston, limousine service from AAAA Transportation of Forty Fort, champagne, champagne glasses, Godiva chocolates and a $100 bill.

Blue Chip shelter raised funds to benefit a rescued large hound mix dog named “Marco,” who needed liver shunt surgery to survive, giving him the opportunity of a normal, happy, healthy future for adoption.

Zabresky honored at Clarion

Janelle Zabresky, of Dallas, was recently among 131 scholar athletes at Clarion University honored during the 20th Annual Bob Carlson Scholar Athlete Luncheon.

A Political Science major, Zabresky is a graduate of Bishop O’Reilly High School and a member of the women’s basketball team at Clarion.

Gallhardt receives drumming certificate

Bryden Gallhardt, 14, of Dallas, received his Second “Advanced Drumming Certificate” from Quint Sorbelli, in-house drum instructor at Wayne’s World of Music, Dallas.

This was the last of four Certificates of Achievement achieved by Gallhardt, who also plays piano and guitar and intends to pursue a career in music.

Three named to dean’s list

Three Back Mountain residents have been named to the dean’s list for the 2009 fall semester at Messiah College. Dean’s list is earned by receiving a 3.6 grade point average or higher on scale of 4.0

Named to the list are Caitlin Hodgson, of Shavertown, a sophomore majoring in Christian ministries; Alyssa-Rae Novroski, of Shavertown, a senior majoring in biology; and Steven Heindel, of Sweet Valley, a senior majoring in engineering.

Five graduate from Wilkes

Five Back Mountain residents were among more than 300 Wilkes University students who completed their degrees in December 2009.

They are Mary Balavage, Trucksville, Bachelor of Arts, Communications; Colleen Duffy, Dallas, Master of Science, Education; Ronald Edwards, Sweet Valley, Master of Science, Education; Janelle Jacob, Hunlock Creek, Master of Science, Education; Frances Sesson, Shavertown, Master of Science, Education.