Student news

Gina Grosso, of Newton, a junior majoring in communication at Rider University, received a first place award at the NBS’s Region 1 Conference, securing a spot as a finalist in the national competition next spring in Dallas. Patricia Ashmore, of Sparta, a sophomore majoring in secondary education at Rider University, was named an Andrew J. Rider Scholar for academic excellence. She is a first-year scholar. Audra Rutnik, of Newton, was awarded a red tassel from Sister Mary Eileen O’Brien, president of Dominican College, in Orangeburg, N.Y., for appearing on the dean’s List for two full years. Amanda Gorman, of Sparta, was selected to play a dancer and a member of the ensemble for the University of Mary Washington (Fredericksburg, Va.) production of “Reefer Madness.” She is the daughter of Sharon and Phil Gorman of Sparta and is a 2008 graduate of Sparta High School. She is a sophomore, majoring in philosophy and linguistics, and was also named to the dean’s list.