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Michael McGraw, a sophomore at MMI Preparatory School, Freeland, was a runner-up in the “A” Exam of the American Chemical Society High School Chemistry Competition for Susquehanna Valley held at Bloomsburg University. The examination recognizes and rewards outstanding high school chemistry students in the eight-county area of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Exam “A” is for first-year chemistry students. McGraw and his chemistry teacher, Laura Nemetz, were honored at the Annual Awards Banquet of the American Chemical Society, Susquehanna Valley Section. McGraw was awarded a certificate and a one-year subscription to “Chem Matters,” a publication of the American Chemical Society. He is the son of Patrick and Michele McGraw, Mountain Top.

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Bauman

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McGraw

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Elijah Miller, Shavertown, a student at Wyoming Valley Montessori Elementary School, was honored at a statewide awards ceremony for gifted children held by The Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth. Miller was invited to the ceremony based on an exceptional performance on a rigorous, above-grade-level test given to second-through-eighth-grade Talent Search participants.

Alyson Neely, Plymouth, received the Service Learning Leadership Award during Misericordia University’s annual Honors Awards Banquet at the Banks Student Life Center. Neely graduated cum laude from the university honors program with a Bachelor of Science degree in social work. The award is presented annually to a student who is nominated by a faculty member for community-based work initiated in a service-learning course. The student must show evidence of active community service and the potential for continued service in a leadership role.

Laura Bauman, Dallas, a speech-language pathology (SLP) graduate student at Misericordia University, was awarded the 2009 Von Drach Memorial Scholarship by the Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association at the 50th anniversary convention in King of Prussia. The prestigious $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a student from one of Pennsylvania’s 14 SLP schools in honor of Dr. Robert Von Drach. It is given to a student who exhibits strong leadership abilities and outstanding academic and clinical scholarship within the profession. Bauman, the daughter of John and Janet Bauman, has a 4.0 grade point average in her graduate studies and has presented research findings at state, national and international conferences. Bauman will complete her Master of Science degree in SLP with fieldwork placements at two prominent clinical sites. She will be a student clinician at Johns Hopkins Rehabilitation Hospital in Baltimore, Md., and she will work with school-aged children at the Lab School of Washington, D.C.

Ashley Symons, the daughter of Art and Susan Symons, Courtdale, was chosen as the Student of the Month for May at West Side Career and Technology Center. Symons was selected by members of the faculty based on her outstanding qualifications. She is a senior in the health-related technology program. Symons plans on attending Luzerne County Community College to pursue a nursing career. Her goal is to become an obstetrical nurse. She is a member of the Science Club, HOSA, CEO and badge winner.

John Michael Rey, Wilkes-Barre, has been recognized for academic achievement as a United States National Honor Student Award winner by The United States Achievement Academy. Rey, a student at St. Nicholas-St. Mary’s School, will appear in the United States Achievement Academy’s Official Yearbook. He is the son of John and Loretta Rey.

Kelcie Lushefski, Nanticoke, has been named an All-American Scholar by The United States Achievement Academy. The All-American Scholars must earn a 3.3 or higher grade-point average and be selected by a school instructor, counselor or other qualified sponsor. Lushefski, a student at Greater Nanticoke Area, was nominated by Amber Hyder. She will appear in the All-American Scholar Yearbook. Lushefski is the daughter of Joe and Cathy Lushefski, Nanticoke, and the granddaughter of George and Rose Madl, Nanticoke, and Mary Lushefski, West Nanticoke.