Students recognized for excellence

HAMBURG — It is an annual privilege for the Chinkchewunska Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution to present the DAR Good Citizen Award to one outstanding senior from each high school graduating class in Sussex County. The award is given across the nation and is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship.

Mary Adams of Hamburg is a graduate of Wallkill Valley Regional High School where she was Student Council president, received the Member of the Year Award, vice president of National Honor Society, president of Choir Council, All-Sussex County High School Choir and members of the Future Business Leaders of America, Students Against Destructive Decisions, the Yearbook Club and served as a Peer Leader. She plans to obtain a BFA in Musical Theater and hopes to perform on Broadway in the future.
Jared Alosio of Lafayette graduated from High Point Regional High School. He was vice president of National Honor Society, member of Foreign Language National Honor Society, a delegate to the New Jersey Boys State and member of the Superintendent's Steering Committee, Academic Team, Science League, Future Business Leaders of America, International Club and varsity tennis team (Captain). He will attend Duke University in Durham, N.C. where he will double major in Mathematics and Biomedical Engineering.
Marissa Arahill of Glenwood is a graduate of Vernon Township High School where she has served as vice president of her class for four years and was academically ranked first in that class. She is a member of National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Science Honor Society and Vernon Township Ambulance Squad. Marissa will attend DeSaies University in Bethlehem, Penn. where she will participate in the Physician's Assistant Program.
Kathleen Clark graduated from Sparta High School as vice president of National Honor Society, secretary of Key Club and member of Select Choir, Sparta High School Honors Philharmonic Orchestra and Strings Club. Kathleen was editor of the school newspaper, a peer development leader and recipient of the gold medal in the Russian Olympiada. She will attend Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Penn. where she will major in History and minor in Russian language.
Rajahn Cleveland of Sparta graduated from Lenape Valley Regional High School where he was a member of the Student Council, delegate to Boys State, member of Future Business Leaders of America, top fundraiser for March of Dimes, chairperson for the Toys for Joy Drive, member of LVRHS track team and Distributive Education Clubs of America. Rajahn plans to attend college to study marketing and accounting. He would like to attain an MBA and become a CPA.
Matthew Compton of Wantage graduated from Veritas Christian Academy as a National Merit Commended Student, recipient of the Association of Christian Schools International Distinguished Christian High School Student Award, recipient of the Outstanding Achievement in Academics and Fine Arts Award and Academic Excellence Awards in each subject. He was a member of the school choir and band, the New Jersey Region 1 Senior High Honors Choir, volleyball team, sang in a cast of school musicals and was a Peer Counselor. Matthew will attend Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. where he will major in Government/Political Science.
Corey Dannhardt from Lafayette graduated from Kittatinny Regional High School where he was president of his class for four years. He was a member of National Honor Society, National Society of High School Scholars, Future Business Leaders of America, the Environmental Club, Peer Leadership, Interact Club, Teen Institute of the Garden State and represented KRHS at New Jersey Boys State. Corey will attend University of South Carolina in Columbia, S.C. to pursue a degree in Sports Management.
Amie De Feo of Andover graduated Summa Cum Laude from Newton High School where she was a member of National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society; represented NHS at the 2011 New Jersey Girls State; served as Student Council secretary, treasurer of Interact Club and class officer; member of Peer Leadership, New Jersey Future Educators, Math League, Spanish Club, Best Buds Gub and the Prom Committee. Amie will attend Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Penn. where she will major in Environmental Science with an Early Childhood Education Certificate.
Heather Ford from Andover graduated from Pope John XXIII Regional High School as Salutatarian of the senior class and also received the Academic Excellence Award in English III. She was a member of the All-Academic Team, secretary of the Interact club, member of the Spanish club and a Peer Leader. Heather will attend Vilianova University in Radnor Township, Penn. where she will major in English Literature.
Jennifer Sheridan from Andover graduated from Hopatcong High School where she received Academic Awards. She was an active member of the Drama Club, Yearbook Club, Forensics Club, and Teen Arts. Jennifer is presently attending College of NJ where she is studying Early Childhood Education.
Branden Vanderhoof of Wantage graduated from Sussex County Technical High School as the Salutatarian. He was a member of National Honor Society, treasurer of Spanish Honor Society and captain of the cross country team. He will attend Salisbury University in Salisbury, M.D. where he will study Physical Therapy.