Student notes

Justin Kalaskey of Lafayette will exhibit artwork in York College's Graphic Design Senior Exhibition, opening April 13 in York College Galleries. Kalaskey is the son of Cris and Michelle Kalaskey. His senior project, "Derp in Arms," is a video game he developed using flash animation, Action Script 3 and hand-drawn characters.

"I have always wanted to create a flash game and when I finally got the opportunity to do so, I ran with an original concept I thought of," said Kalaskey. In the game, the protagonist, Derp, must retrieve his lost arm and capture other characters' arms from the villain Mega-Evil Herper. "My senior project was very challenging to create as it required me to code in a language I have never used before. Though I am very satisfied, I was able to overcome the hurdle and finish the game on time. I feel as if my senior year just crept up and swiftly took over — in a good way," he said.

Graphic design majors present thematically cohesive bodies of work showcasing the skills and techniques they have acquired at the college. The students work collectively during their final semester to refine their creative vision and learn to present themselves and their work in a professional manner. This process culminates with an exhibition of their work and senior portfolio presentations.

Ciara Bello has been named to the Dean's List for the spring 2012 semester at Montclair State University. She was recently recognized as a member of Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society for her major, Family and Child Studies.

Her sister Alya Bello was named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2012 semester at Sussex County Community College, where she was inducted as a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She is studying a liberal arts curriculum under NJ Stars Scholarship.

Both girls are the children of Yolanda and Giacomo DeStefano of Sussex.

The following local students have been inducted into national honor societies at Berkeley College:

Kristen Fedor of Sussex, Financial Management Association, which acknowledges the accomplishments of outstanding students of finance. To qualify, students must be members of the Financial Management Association and must have a 3.25 grade point average.

Diane Sarno of Stockholm, Alpha Sigma Lambda and Sigma Beta Delta. The Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society honors dedicated adult and non-traditional students who handle their life responsibilities while achieving and maintaining a high level of academic success. The Sigma Beta Delta National Honor Society honors students in business, management or administration who are pursuing baccalaureate or graduate degrees. To qualify, students must rank in the upper 20 percent of their class.

Jessica Thieleman of Franklin, Lambda Epsilon Chi and Phi Theta Kappa. Lambda Epsilon Chi National Honor Society honors the academic achievements of students in Paralegal Studies. To qualify, students must maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or above. The Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society honors students in two-year colleges. To qualify, students must maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or better for two consecutive academic quarters.