Paton named to Dean’s List
WESTFIELD- Keri Paton, daughter of Arlene and Kerry Paton of Russell received academic honors at Westfield State University by being named to the Dean’s List for the fall semester, 2014.
A freshman, Paton is majoring in Education and earned a 3.5 GPA.
Local Hamilton College Student on “Alternative Spring Break”
CLINTON, N.Y. — Shannon C. Boley, daughter of Kathleen Shea of Westfield and Christopher Boley of Woodstock, is one of 100 Hamilton College students participating in the college’s 22nd annual Alternative Spring Break. Participants will perform volunteer work in 10 locations in the east and southeast during Hamilton’s spring break, from March 15-29. Boley, a sophomore, is a graduate of Westfield High School.
Alternative Spring Break is intended to increase students’ awareness and concern of social issues while generating a life-long interest in community service. This year Hamilton ASB is sending students to Highland Park, N.J., for Hurricane Sandy relief, Philadelphia for community outreach, Cumberland Trails, Tenn., Habitat for Humanity sites in West Virginia, Kentucky and North Carolina, and an after school program in North Carolina.
The Alternative Spring Break program began in 1993 when 20 students traveled to Miami to work on Hurricane Andrew relief with Habitat for Humanity. The following year the number of students doubled; each year since the number of participants has increased.
Participants in the ASB trips hold a number of fundraisers throughout the academic year to earn money for their expenses, which include van rentals, accommodations, meals and in some cases, site fees.
Hamilton College is a highly selective residential college offering a rigorous liberal arts curriculum. Students are challenged to think, write and speak critically, creatively and analytically, so that upon graduation they may distinguish themselves in both their professions and their communities.
Valliere graduates
Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Kailee M. Valliere 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.
Valliere is the daughter of Heather Valliere of Westfield and granddaughter of Douglass Smith of Stafford Springs, Conn., and Prudence and Terrance Prefonatine of Westfield.
She graduated in 2011 from Westfield High School and she earned an associate degree in 2014 from Holyoke Community College.
