Around Town

Local names in the news

Nicholas Kallfa receives University of Iowa degree
IOWA CITY, IA – Nicholas Kallfa, a Westfield native, received a MS-Mathematics degree from the University of Iowa at the close of the spring 2015 semester. About 5,100 students received UI degrees during spring 2015 commencement ceremonies.

Kimberly Bolduc named to Union College Dean’s List
SCHENECTADY, NY – Kimberly Bolduc, of Chester, was named to the 2015 Dean’s List at Union College. Bolduc is a member of the Class of 2017, majoring in Chemistry and English. To be named to the annual Dean’s List, Union students must have a grade point average of 3.5 for the entire year and meet certain other requirements.

Campbell Makes Le Moyne College’s Spring 2015 Dean’s List
SYRACUSE, NY – Emily Campbell has been named to the 2015 Spring Semester Dean’s List at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, N.Y. To be named to the list, a student must obtain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Campbell is a Junior Bus Admin: Marketing major at Le Moyne and is from Westfield.

Hannah Placzek, of Westfield, daughter of Kathleen MacLean and Vincent Placzek, recently graduated from Hartwick College. At Hartwick, Hannah majored in mathematics. She participated in Honors Program, Women’s Varsity Swimming & Diving, and Habitat for Humanity.

Westfield native Sam Thomas graduates from Bates College
LEWISTON, ME – Sam Thomas , the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward S. Thomas, Jr. of Westfield, graduated after majoring in history at Bates. She is a 2011 graduate of The Ethel Walker School. Bates College graduated 484 students from 32 states and 37 countries. Cumulatively, the Class of 2015 performed 80,000 hours of community service, exemplifying Bates’ commitment to community learning and civic action.

Army Pvt. Ashley M. Lafond has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises. Lafond is the daughter of Julie Lafond of Bondsville. She is a 2011 graduate of Westfield Vocational Technical High School, Westfield.

The following students have been named to the President’s List at Western New England for the spring semester of 2015. Students are named to the President’s List for achieving a semester grade point average of 3.80 or higher. Dawn E. Heideman, Samantha R. Lander, Stephen P. O’Brien, Matthew J. O’Connor, John W. Oleksak, Leane A. Ruelle and Ryan J. Wallace of Westfield.

Massachusetts Laureate Alpha Westfield chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority recently sent over 20 pounds of medical supplies to National Relief Charities. This organization serves native Americans who live on reservations in Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. Money to send supplies from the group was raised at our annual tag sale held in late Spring. Each member of the sorority brought supplies to their monthly meeting. When some of the members went on their annual “Get Away” to Schroon Lake, NY, the items were packed up and sent on to the clinics set up by National Relief Charities.
Beta Sigma Phi is an International Womens’ friendship network. We are the largest organization of its kind in the world. Our membership is made up of women of all ages; usually beginning in their twenties or thirties and staying active for their entire lives, building friendships that last a lifetime.
The Westfield chapter started in the mid 1960’s with ten members and currently has 18 members from Westfield, Southwick, Chicopee, and Chicopee.
In addition to this project, every year, the members make up over 50 Easter baskets for homeless children in this area, support special school programs, and collect articles for charitable activities in Westfield and Southwick.

Ashley Kirby earns degree from Delaware Valley University
DOYLESTOWN, PA – Dr. Bashar Hanna, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty at Delaware Valley University, announced that Ashley Kirby of Westfield, earned a degree (BS, Conservation & Wildlife) from Delaware Valley University in May 2015

The following local residents made the Dean’s List at Rochester Institute of Technology for spring semester 2014-2015. Degree-seeking undergraduate students are eligible for Dean’s List if their term GPA is greater than or equal to 3.400; they do not have any grades of “Incomplete”, “D” or “F”; and they have registered for, and completed, at least 12 credit hours.
Calvin Carrington of Huntington
Brendon Ray of Russell
Joshua Richards of Westfield
Genevieve Senecal of Westfield
Benjamin Wilcox of Southwick

Dean of Students Enku Gelaye has announced the names of students who qualified for Dean’s List for the 2015 spring semester at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
In order to qualify, an undergraduate student must receive a 3.5 grade-point average orbetter on a four-point scale.
Below is a list of local students who were named to the University of Massachusetts AmherstDean’s List.
GRANVILLE
Ashlyn Kristen Stromgren
Jesse James Gregg
Stephanie M Tenerowicz
HUNTINGTON
Casey Anne McKittrick
Natalie Lisa Saloio
RUSSELL
Anatoliy Anatolyevich Tereshchuk
Chelsea Ann Merritt
SOUTHWICK
Benjamin James Dussault
Christopher Patrick Reardon
Dustin William Teich
Gabrielle Layne Strong
Jennifer L Shaw
Meghan Rose Crosby
Tara Sue Dowd
TOLLAND
Benjamin Lawrence Deming
WESTFIELD
Abdel Kader A Geraldo
Alexander Ty Kaubris
Allyson Taylor Morin
Alyssa P Lutservitz
Amanda Rae Orton
Amy Lynn Wardner
Anaise Anita Seabury
Astrid Alexandra Esquilin Nieves
Brendan Paul Teich
Cassandra L. Jaeger
Colleen E Murphy
Conner James Laraway
Emily Catherine Chrzanowski
Emma Frances Gronbeck
Eric Raymond Stowe
Jennafer Allee Rowbotham
Jonah Christopher Chaban
Lauren Elizabeth Czach
Lauren Katherine Edgley
Leah Beth Rucki
Mariah Ashley Kurtz
Marissa M McConkey
Mitchell D. Kleciak
Nicole M. Sgrignari
Pavel Sergeyevich Grigorash
Sean Kevin Fitzgerald
Sean Rowan Sullivan
Tara A Bressette
Taylor Alexandra St. Jacques
Timothy Eric Dostie
William A. Womeldorf
Zachary J Janisieski
Zachary William Grobe

Approximately 2,700 students at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute were named to the Dean’s List for the Spring 2015 semester. The Dean’s List recognizes full-time students who maintain grade-point averages of a minimum of 3.0 out of a possible 4.0 and have no grades below “C.” Victoria Hepworth of Chester studies Biochemistry & Biophysics. Evan Perreault of Westfield studies Mechanical Engineering. Lauren Olinski of Westfield was among more than 1,000 students to graduate Magna Cum Laude from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The 209th Commencement ceremonies, held in the East Campus Athletic Village Stadium on May 30, included an address by Admiral Michelle Howard, Vice Chief of Naval Operations.
Olinski earned a BS in Bioinformatics & Molec Biology.

The University of Rhode Island is pleased to announce that more than 4,600 undergraduate students have qualified for the Spring 2015 Dean’s List. The students represent almost all of Rhode Island’s cities and towns, all six New England states, New York and New Jersey, other states and countries. More than half of the students are Rhode Islanders.
To be included on the Dean’s List, students must have completed 12 or more credits during a semester for letter grades with at least a 3.30 quality point average. Part-time students qualify with the accumulation of 12 credits with a 3.30 quality point average.
The following students from your area are named to the University of Rhode Island’s Spring 2015 Dean’s List:
Krystle L Schultz of Westfield
Alyssa Nicole Walker of Southwick
Shaina R Gootzit of Westfield
Meagan Angelina Coon of Southwick
Leah M Metallo of Southwick

Abigaile Hart was placed on the Dean’s List at Simmons College in Boston for the Spring 2015 semester. She will be a junior year this fall majoring in elementary education. She is the daughter of Andy and Michele Hart of Westfield.

Olivia K. White of Southwick has been selected for inclusion on the Dean’s List for academic achievement during the Spring 2015 semester at St. Lawrence University. White is a member of the Class of 2017, majoring in english. She attended Southwick-Tolland Regional High School. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, a student must have completed at least four courses and have an academic average of 3.6 based on a 4.0 scale for the semester.

The following area students were named to the dean’s list at Quinnipiac University for the Spring 2015: Robert Bernarda of Westfield. To qualify for the dean’s list, students must earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 with no grade lower can C. Full-time students must complete at least 14 credits in a semester, with at least 12 credits that have been graded on a letter grade basis to be eligible. Part-time students must complete at least six credits during a semester.

Chester native Christopher J. Camarco earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stonehill College. On Sunday, May 17, 498 students participated in the College’s 64th Commencement ceremony in which Attorney Ken Feinberg served as the keynote speaker.

Jay Poulin, of Westfield, was named to Becker College’s Dean’s List for the Spring 2015 semester.

Amber Connors of Westfield graduates from James Madison University

Christy A. LaPlante of Westfield has been named to the President’s List at Western New England for the spring semester of 2015. LaPlante is working towards a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Students are named to the President’s List for achieving a semester grade point average of 3.80 or higher.

Stephen M. Baker of Southwick, received the Achievement Award in Information Technology at the College Honors Ceremonies at Western New England University. This award is given to an outstanding graduating senior in Information Technology. Dr. Brian O’Neill, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, presented the award. Graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Baker has been an excellent student at Western New England, with a 3.61 GPA, including a 3.92 in the Information Technology major, and finished his degree work in December 2014. This is Baker’s second degree. In 2012, he was awarded a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Film and Animation from Rochester Institute of Technology.While taking classes, Stephen worked in the College of Pharmacy providing IT support throughout his time at Western New England. Additionally, he has served as an Assistant Scoutmaster for a nearby Boy Scout troop in Southwick, Massachusetts. Baker is an Associate IT Consultant for Revenue Solutions, Inc. in Providence, RI.

Keelan Higgins graduates with the Roger Williams University Class of 2015. Keelan Higgins, a resident of Southwick, was among more than 1,123 students from Roger Williams University to receive their degree as part of the Class of 2015. Higgins received a Bachelor of Arts in History/Secondary Education

Nicholas Velis of Westfield received academic honors at Westfield State University by making the University’s Dean’s List for the Spring semester 2015.

American International College awarded 550 undergraduate and graduate degrees at its 2015 Commencement ceremony. More than 200 undergraduate and nearly 330 graduate degrees were awarded to students representing sixteen states and six countries.
Megen Navone of Southwick recently received a Bachelor of Arts from American International College.
Cole Ludorf of Southwick recently received a Bachelor of Arts from American International College.
Rebecca Hardy of Westfield recently received a Bachelor of Science from American International College.
Sergey Zuev of Westfield recently received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from American International College.
Iarsolav Loshchinin of Soouthwick recently received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from American International College.
Elaine Dellaripa of Westfield recently received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from American International College.
Margarita Dunayev of Westfield recently received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from American International College.
Danielle Clarke of Westfield recently received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from American International College.
Elizabeth Freeman of Westfield recently received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from American International College.
Vincent Baker of Westfield recently received a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study from American International College.
Anatoliy Pavlyuk of Westfield recently received a Doctor of Physical Therapy from American International College.
Amber Nawskon of Westfield recently received a Master of Arts from American International College.
Deborah Calvanese of Westfield recently received a Master of Arts from American International College.
Ashley Brown of Westfield recently received a Master of Education from American International College.
Andrea Modlish of Westfield recently received a Master of Education from American International College.

Ryan Albee of Westfield recently received a Master of Science in Accounting & Taxation from American International College.

Roger Williams University Announces Spring 2015 Dean’s List
BRISTOL, RI – Select students have been named to the Spring 2015 Dean’s List at Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I. Full-time students who complete 12 or more credits per semester and earn a GPA of 3.4 or higher are placed on the Dean’s List that semester.
Zachary Gehring of Westfield majoring in Economics
Christina Haseltine of Southwick majoring in Secondary Education
Keelan Higgins of Southwick majoring in History/Secondary Education
Jaclyn Lamoureaux of Southwick majoring in Psychology
Kelsey Platanitis of Granville majoring in Biology
James Rolland of Southwick majoring in International Relations
Giancarlo Romeo of Westfield majoring in History

Alexandria Marie Ciejka graduated from Georgetown University, in Washington DC, on May 16th. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Accounting, with a minor in Spanish. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from The Robert Emmett McDonough School of Business. Alexandria received the Credit Suisse Excellence in Finance Award at graduation and was a member of many clubs and organizations during her time on the Hilltop. She is currently an investment banking analyst at Credit Suisse Bank in New York City. Alexandria is a 2011 graduate of Suffield Academy and is the daughter of Gerry and Lisa Ciejka of Westfield.

Air Force Guard Airman 1st Class Zane T. Collier graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Collier is the son of John D. and Renee T. Collier of Westfield, grandson of Ronald Frascoia of Barre, Vt., and Dolores Frascoia of Morgan, Vt., nephew of Claire Daggett of Derby, Vt., and brother of Gunnar J. Collier. He is a 2014 graduate of Westfield High School.

Christopher Hart, of Westfield, graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from The George Washington University in May. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Affairs and Geography and was a recipient of the Robert D. Campbell Prize for Outstanding Leadership and Scholarship in Geography. Chris is currently employed in the Office of the U.S. Global
AIDS Coordinator at the Department of State. He is the son of Andy and Michele Hart of Westfield.

Robert Morris University proudly congratulates Shaylyn L Jurczyk of Westfield for being named to the Sprint 2015 Dean’s List. Shaylyn is majoring in Communication at Robert Morris University.

Adam Baillargeon, son of Michael and Malinda Baillargeon of Westfield received academic honors at Westfield State University by making the University’s Dean List for the Spring semester 2015. A junior at Westfield State University, Adam is majoring in English, with a concentration in secondary education and a minor in Film Study. Adam is also a member of Sigma Tau Delta, International English Honor Society.
Logan Baillargeon, daughter of Michael and Malinda Baillargeon of Westfield received academic honors at Westfield State University by making the University’s Dean’s List for the Spring Semester 2015. A freshman at Westfield State University, Logan is a General Studies major.
Westfield State University’s Dean’s List recognizes the achievement of undergraduates semester by semester. To receive Dean’s List status, a student must complete a 12 hour semester with a GPA of at least 3.3 (B+), have no grade below a 2.0 (C), and have no incomplete grades.

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