Dean's List for Spring 2010 Semester

The following Branford and North Branford residents were named to the dean's, presidents', and/or merit lists at their respective colleges and universities.

• Assumption College: Emma S. Barnes, '13, of Branford; Clement S. Esposito III, '10, of North Branford; and Alexander R. Papastratis, ’10, of Branford.

• Bates College: Carole L. Lupi of Branford, a history major and minor in economics, was named to both the winter and spring dean's lists. She is also a member of the Bates women's swim team and assists in designing costumes for the school's theater department.

• Bryant University: North Branford residents Jeannette Ferraro, a sophomore business administration major, and Tiana Haraguchi, a senior finance major.

• Bucknell University: Gregory C. Barron of Branford, the son of Francis and Rebecca Barron; Scott D. Berges of Branford, the son of John Berges and Ann Leamon and Katherine Berges; Brian K. Chew of Branford, the son of David and Lai Chew of Branford; and Kirsten J. Fuchs of Branford, the daughter of Craig and Martha Fuchs.

• Champlain College: Kyle Patnaude of Branford, a criminal justice major.

• Coastal Carolina University: Samuel J. Dorman of Branford

• Colby College: Alphonse J. Ippolito, '12, of Branford, the son of Alphonse and Margaret Ippolito and a history and classical civilization major.

• College of the Holy Cross: John Weber of Branford, the son of Mary Lee and Andy Weber and an economics major.

• Connecticut College: Heather Petrucci of North Branford.

• Curry College: Nicole Woodin of North Branford.

• Fairfield University: Kathryn Gargiulo of North Branford, a sophomore in the Dolan School of Business; and Louis Guerrera of Branford, a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences.

• Keene State College: Colleen Elizabeth Butler of Branford and Hanna Rose Marshall of North Branford.

• Marist College: Erin K. Donovan of Branford, a psychology major; Michelle Morico of North Branford, a communications/journalism major; and Stacey M. Rahl of Branford, a social work major.

• Mount Ida College: Matthew Reynolds of Branford.

• Nichols College: Theresa Cox and Tonimarie Rapacciulo, both of North Branford.

• Northeastern University: Lindsay Baer of North Branford, a history major; Sarah Baumgaertner of Northford, a communication studies major; Allison Green of Northford, a physical therapy major; Frank Mentone of North Branford, an undeclared major; Richard J. Rivera of Branford, a midler in the School of Physical Therapy; and Emily Wassmer of North Branford, an environmental science/environmental studies major;

• Pace University: Grady C. Keefe of Branford.

• Providence College: Branford residents Sarah Burke, '11; Jonathan Canestri, '12; Rachel Chamberlain, '10; and Katherine Trofatter, '13.

• Quinnipiac University: Andrew Lavoie, Burdett Rice, Robin Strickland, Katherine Sullivan, and Lauren Tropiano of North Branford; and Ariana Acquarulo and Shelby Pierson of Northford.

• Roger Williams University: Lauren Kinell of North Branford, Erica Palmer of Branford, and Megan Rabinowitz of Branford.

• Sacred Heart University: Gerri Delizio of North Branford, Nicole Desruisseaux of North Branford, Guy Dufresne of Branford, Nicole Gerosa of Branford, Kristin Reinwald of Branford, Scott Ruotolo of Branford, Brooke Stevens of Branford, and Matthew Tarducci of Branford.

• St. Joseph College: Meghan Malcolm of Branford.

• St. Michael's College: Carleen McLaughlin of Branford, the daughter of Dolores and Steve McLaughlin, a sophomore elementary education and music major.

• Skidmore College: Eliza Perkins, '12, of Branford, the daughter of David Perkins.

• Southern Connecticut State University: Rebecca Houde of Branford, the daughter of Linda and Ron Houde and a student in the Honors College majoring in elementary education.

• Southern New Hampshire University: Patrick Gallogly of North Branford, a graphic design major.

• Springfield College: Kyle Young of Branford, a sports management major.

• Stonehill College: Corey R. Roos, '11, of Branford.

• Syracuse University: Thomas Day of Branford, an architecture major in the School of Architecture.

• Tufts University: Melissa Dorr of Branford.

• Unity College: Mary Lynn Kinney of Branford, the daughter of Frank and Lois Kinney and a senior adventure education leadership major.

• University of Connecticut: Kelsey Sarah Barringham, Candice Burke, Joseph Louis Cassone, Charles Salvatore Costanzo, Alexandria Marie Davies, Olivia Kathleen Denegre, Nicole Sheryl Errante, Cynthia Ann Gagliardi, Bryan Daniel Goodman, Thomas George Hewitt, Majid Hodzic, Jelena Ivic, Christina Louise Kondziela, Peter Francis Kosciuk, Thomas John Radovich, Alexandra Mackenzie Sanders, Claire Elizabeth Schwartz, Matthew Peter Snipes, Christopher Michael Warner, Eric Clayton Warner, Allyson Marie Weted, and Christopher James Wood of Branford; Christopher Daniel Baiocchi, Corey Ryan Dwyer, Jonathan Jorge Figueroa, Jake Q. Seaman, and Lauren Elizabeth Swartz of North Branford; and Mark William Connolly, Andrew Cameron Cottiero, John Edward D'Adamo, Michael Joseph Gangi, and Jennifer Lauren Parness of Northford.

• University of New Hampshire: Amanda Baum of North Branford (honors), Jeffrey Cannon of Branford (highest honors), Elizabeth Fitter of Branford (honors), Kristin Jones of Branford (high honors), Christopher Munson of Branford (highest honors), Melissa Peterson of Branford (highest honors), Christopher Prisley of North Branford (honors), and Elizabeth Tickell of Branford (high honors).

• University of New Haven: Wendy Ardizzone of Branford, Justin Battista of Branford, Dillon Bernard of Branford, Kelly Brailsford of Branford, Christopher Debell of Branford, Timothy Derr of Branford, Nibal Fadhil of North Branford, Arthur Kiley of North Branford, Angela Moreno of North Branford, Bijan Naderi of Branford, Ryan Onofrio of North Branford, Samantha Prusski of Branford, Stephen Tucker of Branford, Brittany Vitelli of North Branford, Katharine Voos of North Branford, and Nastassia Zukunft of North Branford.

• University of Vermont: Sarah M. Gallalee of Branford, a sophomore psychology major in the College of Arts & Sciences.

• Western New England College: Casey E. Dadio of Branford, a sophomore sport management major.

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute: Matthew Rosen of Branford, a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering.

Academic and Extracurricular Achievements

• Julia Allain of North Branford graduated from The Loomis Chaffee School, at which she was an honor roll student and varsity soccer player. She currently attends Providence College.

• Jennifer Altavilla, the daughter of John and Marilyn Altavilla of Branford, graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from New York University (NYU) with a bachelor of arts in English literature and journalism. She minored in Spanish. While at NYU, Altavilla interned with the Hartford Courant, Sports Illustrated Kids, and the Association of Magazine Editors internship at Reader's Digest. She studied in London her sophomore year, worked as an NYU campus recruiter for Teach for America, tutored middle-school children through the Breakthrough Collaborative New York after-school program, was a co-captain for her Avon Walk for Breast Cancer team, and also sang in the Women's Choir. Altavilla received a scholarship from the Connecticut Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and was awarded a research grant for her senior honors thesis. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in secondary education at Harvard.

• Samuel S. Barnes of Branford, the son of Joan and Mark Barnes, earned a bachelor of business administration from the University of Notre Dame.

• Monica A. Bassi of Branford and ToniMarie T. Rapacciuolo of North Branford both graduated from Nichols College. Bassi earned a bachelor of science in business administration; Rapacciuolo earned a bachelor of arts.

• Emily Baumgaertner of Northford, the daughter of Irene and Michael Baumgaertner, was honored as a 4.0 Scholar at Sacred Heart Academy's (SHA) graduation. She currently attends George Washington University. While at SHA, her many honors included being named a National Merit Commended Scholar. She was, among many other things, a member of the National Honor Society, National Honor Society-Spanish, and Campus Ministry. She also participated in dance, was a member of the Key Club, and was active with Special Olympics, St. Monica's Parish, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and several other organizations.

• Emily Margaret Berges of Branford earned a bachelor of arts with a major in physical education (athletic training) from Denison University. While at Denison, Berges studied abroad in New Zealand through the University of Canterbury Program for a semester.

• Lauren Birbarie of Branford received the Ben Bronz Award from Ben Bronz Academy. the award is given to one student annually who best exemplifies the qualities with which Ben Bronz lived his life: curiosity, perseverance, patience, self-reliance, and excellence.

• Elizabeth Bruno of Branford, a recent graduate of Mercy High School, received the President's Education Award, the Connecticut Association of Schools Award (National Honor Society), the Mercy High School Attendance Award-3 Years, and the World Language Department Award-Excellence in Spanish 4 during Mercy's Honors Assembly.

• Bryant University Graduates: Eliza DeMarseilles of Branford (bachelor of science in business administration, marketing; Tiana Haraguchi of North Branford (bachelor of science in business administration, finance, cum laude); Raymond Jones of Branford (bachelor of science in international business, finance, cum laude); and Kaylee Montelius of Branford (bachelor of science in actuarial mathematics).

• Branford residents Brian K. Chew, the son of David and Lai Chew; and Kirsten J. Fuchs, the daughter of Craig and Martha Fuchs, both graduated from Bucknell University Chew graduated cum laude with a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering; Fuchs graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of sccience in mechanical engineering. A member of Tau Beta Pi national engineering honor society, Fuchs also received the Oliver J. Decker Prize for attaining the highest average in the College of Engineering and the Ernest and Josephine Christensen Award for outstanding graduates in engineering.

• Choate Rosemary Hall Graduates: Branford residents Christina Bassick (cum laude), the daughter of Gayle T. Bassick and recipient of the Choate Rosemary Hall Award for enthusiasm in the study of Chinese language and culture who currently attends Tufts University; Nathan Bennick, the son of Dr. Michael C. Bennick (Union College); and Anna Graham, the daughter of The Rev. and Mrs. Graham, Jr. (University of Georgia).

• Lynn Marie Cocchiola of Branford earned an bachelor of arts in international affairs from Lafayette College.

• Jason Joseph Coraluzzi of Branford and Michelle Morico of North Branford both graduated from Marist College. Coraluzzi earned a bachelor of science in business administration/emphasis: international; Morico earned a bachelor of arts in communications/journalism.

• Cassandra DeFelice of North Branford, the daughter of Deborah and Mark DeFelice, was honored as a 4.0 Scholar during Sacred Heart Academy's graduation ceremony. DeFelice currently attends Stony Brook University and is a student in its honors program.

• Branford residents Courtney DesJardins and Tiffany Schroeder both graduated from the University of Connecticut with bachelor of science degrees in biology. DesJardins's focus was in physiology and neurobiology, while Schroeder's was in molecular and cellular biology. Both plan to continue their education in the medical field.

• Melissa Dorr of Branford earned a bachelor of science in biology from Tufts University.

• Meagan Edmonds of Branford, the daughter of Alice Bruno and Christian Edmonds and president of the student council at Sacred Heart Academy (SHA), gave the welcoming remarks at SHA's Baccalaureate Liturgy. Edmonds was honored as a 4.0 Scholar during graduation. She currently attends Tufts University.

• Amy Esborn of Branford earned a master of education degree in exercise science and sport studies from Springfield College.

• Clement Esposito of North Branford and Alexander Papastratis of Branford each graduated from Assumption College with a bachelor of arts degree.

• Fairfield University Graduates: Christopher T. Jones of Branford (bachelor of science in marketing); Alejandro Martinez of Branford (master of business administration in international business); and Thomas M. Tropiano of North Branford (bachelor of science in finance).

• Kathryn Fowler of Branford, the daughter of Eve and James Fowler and a graduate of Hamilton College, received the school's Gelas Memorial Prize while a senior majoring in economics. The prize is awarded to the senior who has shown the greatest development in strength of character, leadership, and athletic ability while at Hamilton.

• Daniele Gargamelli of Branford and Christina Popolizio of Northford, both students at Sacred Heart Academy (SHA), were inducted into the new Mu Alpha Theta National Mathematics Honor Society at SHA. Gargamelli and Popolizio, currently seniors at SHA, were inducted as juniors.

• Jessica Giunta of Branford, a graduate of Academy of the Holy Family, received a one-time, $1,000 scholarship from the Comcast Foundation. The Comcast Leaders & Achievers Scholarship Program provides oscholarships to students who strive to achieve their potential, are catalysts for positive change in their communities, are involved in their schools, and serve as models for their fellow students. Giunta currently attends the University of Connecticut, at which she studies medicine.

• Lindsey Helbling of Branford received a High School Senior Award 2010 from The Emma K. Podoloff Fund of the National Council of Jewish Women, Greater New Haven Section. She is currently a student at the University of Connecticut.

• Branford residents Travis Hurd and Oliver Jennings graduated from Cheshire Academy.

• Seth Kirschner, as a senior at Branford High School and a member of the ACE Mentor Program of America, was recognized by Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) for being part of a team that won second place in a national design competition organized by the Construction Industry Round Table and the ACE Program. The ACE Program pairs professionals from 72 different affiliates in the architecture, construction, and engineering fields with high school students to introduce them to the various aspects of each profession. Kirschner's team designed a sustainable row house complex for East Haven, including three prototypes, each designed to transform a largely abandoned site into a thriving community for working professionals and families.

• Lisa Christine Magistro of Branford and Christopher Marc Porto of North Branford both graduated from Salve Regina University. Magistro earned a bachelor of science in nursing; Porto earned a bachelor of arts and science in secondary education and math.

• Kathleen Meriano of Branford, the daughter of John and Kathleen Meriano, graduated from Sacred Heart Academy (SHA). She also received the Connecticut Association of Schools Fine Arts Award, Outstanding Senior in Art, the ACE Mentor Award, the President's Award for Educational Excellence, and SHA Four Years of Honor. She won first place in the Third Congressional District Art Contest and her drawing will be on display for the next year at the nation's Capitol building. Meriano currently attends New York University.

• Mercy High School Graduates: Branford residents Elizabeth Bruno, Morgan Lion, and Amy-Lynn Vanacore and Jocelynn Witkowsky of North Branford.

• Merrimack College Graduates: Emilie Elizabeth Fazekas of Branford earned a bachelor of science in business administration; Meredith Cresto Prio of Branford earned a bachelor of arts in Spanish, and Alyssa L. Wollman of Northford earned a bachelor of science in health science.

• Ryan Miller of Branford, the son of Tracey Miller, graduated cum laude from Northeastern University with a bachelor's in business.

• Allison Novelly of Branford, the daughter of Christine and Robert Novelly, earned a juris doctorate from Roger Williams University School of Law. Novelly, who served as president of the Environmental Law Society, was also a member of the Honors Program and the Maritime Law Society. She served as a law and policy intern at Coastal States Organization in Washington, D.C., during the summer of 2009 and was also a legal intern for the Save the Bay organization in Providence, Rhode Island. She is currently pursuing a master's of marine affairs degree at the University of Rhode Island.

• Kyle Patnaude of Branford earned a bachelor of science in criminal justice from Champlain College.

• Heather Petrucci of North Branford, the daughter of Frederick and Maureen Petrucci, received the Cameron Horner Smyser'92 Award for Scholarly Achievement in psychology while a senior at Connecticut College. She earned a bachelor of science in psychology from the school; was inducted into its chapters of Phi Beta Kappa and Psi Chi, the national honor society in psychology; and was a member of Students Implementing Support Through Education and Recreation (SISTER), the Psychology Department Student Advisory Board, and the women's club lacrosse team.

• Alisa M. Polaski of Northford, the daughter of Lisa Amento-Polaski and the late Rob Polaski, graduated from Quinnipiac University, cum laude, with a B.A. in legal studies and a minor in English. Polaski, who was also inducted into the Lambda Epsilon Chi Honor Society, currently attends Quinnipiac University School of Law.

• Christina Popolizio of Northford received the Gettysburg College Book Award while a junior at Sacred Heart Academy, at which she is currently a senior.

• Providence College Graduates: Branford residents Rachel Chamberlain, bachelor of arts in English; Michael Loftus, bachelor of arts in history; and Julia Smith, bachelor of science in marketing.

• Ashley D. Quido of North Branford. a student at Quinnipiac University, was inducted into Lambda Epsilon Chi, the national legal studies honor society founded by the American Association for Paralegal Education.

• Quinnipiac University Graduates: North Branford graduates Kimberly M. Chomicz (master of occupational therapy); Robert Dean DePaola (bachelor of science in marketing); Rebecca Lauren Dunlop (bachelor of arts in gerontology); Christopher L. Giannelli (bachelor of science in accounting); Mark J. Giannelli (bachelor of science in accounting); Ashley D. Quido (bachelor of arts in legal studies); and Robin M. Strickland (bachelor of arts in sociology).

• Griff E. V. Radulski, a Branford High School graduate, received a National Merit Oberlin College Scholarship. He plans to pursue agricultural extension.

• Donald Rahl of Branford earned a bachelor of science in business administration, cum laude, from Wagner College.

• Joshua T. Russo of Branford, the son of Lisa Girven and Michael Russo, s received the Rotary Shield Book Award for service to others and the George D. Malcolm Scholarship for exceptional character, graduating with high honors from Branford High School as a member of the National Honor Society. He is currently a student for one year at Word of Life Bible Institute. Russo plans to continue onto a four-year college to pursue a degree in secondary education.

• Sacred Heart Academy Graduates: Emily Baumgaertner, who currently attends The George Washington University as a student in the honors program; Mary Savino (Emmanuel College); Julie Cappello (University of Connecticut); Taylor Ciambra (Keene State College); and Cassandra DeFelice (Stony Brook University Honors College).

• Sacred Heart University Graudates: Jennifer Bennick of Branford (master of science); Erica Bozzuto of North Branford (master of arts in teaching); Marissa Gagliardi of North Branford (bachelor of science); Nicole Gerosa of Branford (bachelor of science); Ryan Hardy of Branford (bachelor of science); Anthony Mortali of Branford (bachelor of science); Scott Ruotolo of Branford (bachelor of science); and Brooke Stevens of Branford (bachelor of science).

• Isabella Santos of Branford, filmed the independent movie The Festival of Light in New York this past spring while a 1st grader at John B. Sliney School. She has been a student of Annie Guetti and has participated in school plays and local music theater productions through Guetti's The Shoreline Stars in Guilford. Santos has also just singed a contract with international management company Wilhemina.

• South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority The Watershed Fund Scholarship Recipients: Emily R. Arenault of Branford (freshman, Colby College) and Abigail J. Hally of Branford (freshman, University of Massachusetts) were first-time recipients of a $1,700 scholarship. Cynthia A. DeLillo of Northford (sophomore, Roger Williams University); Nicole M. Peruso of Branford (sophomore, University of Vermont); and Elizabeth J. Tickell of Branford (graduate student, University of New Hampshire) each had their $1,700 scholarships renewed.

• University of New Hampshire Graduates: Lauren Elizabeth Aupi of Branford (bachelor of science in business administration-finance); Amanda Sara Baum of North Branford (bachelor of science in occupational therapy, magna cum laude); Christopher Michael Prisley of North Branford (bachelor of science in business administration-management, cum laude); and Elizabeth Jane Tickell of Branford (bachelor of science in biology-marine and freshwater).

• University of New Haven Graduates: Daniel Brencher of Branford (master of science in health care administration); Maegan Capasso of North Branford (master of science in human nutrition); Timothy Derr of Branford (associate of science in criminal justice); Salaheldin Hamed of Branford (master of business administration); Inese Klavina of Branford (associate of science in dental hygiene); Angela Moreno of North Branford (bachelor of science in criminal justice); and Nastassia Zukunft of North Branford (associate of science in dental hygiene).

• Amy-Lynn Vanacore of North Branford, a recent graduate of Mercy High School, received the Spirit of Mercy Award and the Fine Arts Department Award-Outstanding Artist at Mercy's Honors Assembly. She also received the Comcast Foundation-Leaders & Achievers Award, a one-time, $1,000 scholarship presented to students who strive to achieve their potential, are catalysts for positive change in their communities, are involved in their schools, and serve as models for their fellow students. Vanacore is currently a student at Siena College studying medicine.

• Chelsea Verni of Branford received a $1,000 nursing education scholarship from the Auxiliary of the Hospital of St. Raphael while a senior at Branford High School senior.

• Miranda Vogt, a enior at North Branford High School, was selected to represent Connecticut as a National Youth Delegate to the 2010 Washington Youth Summit on the Environment at George Mason University. She was one of 150 students from across the country selected to participate.

• Christopher Walz of Branford, a student at Quinnipiac University, was inducted into the Honor Society of Beta Gamma Sigma, the international honor society serving business programs accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

• Xavier High School Graduates: Christopher A. Brown, Joseph F. Maturo, and John J. Wilkinson of Branford; Gregory J. Schettino of North Branford; and Erick D. Bilides, Shaun P. Coughlin, Timothy T. DeMatteo, Michael A. Fadden, John J. Paine, Jr., Andrew M. Roberts, and Marc J. Savino of Northford.

Honor Roll Students

• Cheshire Academy, 2nd Semester: Catherine Reed of Branford, the daughter of Patricia DePonte.

• Choate Rosemary Hall, Spring Term: Christina Bassick of Branford, the daughter of Gayle T. Bassick; Nathan Bennick of Branofrd, the son of Dr. Michael C. Bennick; Zoe Dobuler of Branford, the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Dobuler; Kiley Kennedy of Branford, the daughter of Edward M. Kennedy, Jr., and Dr. Katherine G. Kennedy; Jamal Lifschultz of Branford, the son of Lawrence S. Lifschultz and Rabia F. Ali; Lily McCarthy of Branford, the daughter of Dr. John Gerard McCarthy and Dr. Amy Hope Sherman; Jennifer Seibyl of Branford, the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Seibyl; Lanya Tseng of Branford, the daughter of Dr. Yin-Chao Tseng and Dr. Yesook Kim; and Alicia Vasquez-Crede of North Branford, the daughter of Dr. William B. Crede and Dr. Luz S. Vasquez.

• The Loomis Chaffee School, Spring Term: Julia Allain of North Branford, a senior.

• Mercy High School, 3rd Marking Period: Christine Battle (North Branford, freshman, high honors); Elizabeth Bruno (Branford, senior, first honors); Demi Capobianco (Branford, junior, second honors); Briana Carboni (North Branford, freshman, second honors); Amanda Criscuolo (Branford, sophomore, second honors); Kathryn Malcolm (Branford, junior, first honors); Christina Rampone (Branford, freshman, second honors); and Maria Torelli (Branford, freshman, second honors).

• Mercy High School, 4th Marking Period: Christine Battle (North Branford, freshman, first honors); Elizabeth Bruno (Branford, senior, high honors); Demi Capobianco (Branford, junior, second honors); Briana Carboni (North Branford, freshman, second honors); Amanda Criscuolo (Branford, sophomore, second honors); Kathryn Malcolm (Branford, junior, first honors); Samantha Palumbo (Northford, junior, first honors); Linsy Ochenkowski (Northford, freshman, first honors); Christina Rampone (Branford, freshman, second honors); and Maria Torelli (Branford, freshman, second honors).

• Notre Dame High School, 3rd Term: Branford residents Christopher Barbaro (sophomore, first honors); Joseph Basile (junior, second honors); Joseph Cambino (freshman, first honors); Darren Capobiando (freshman, third honors); Colin Conte (sophomore, first honors); Blake Cornachini (junior, first honors); Michael Cronin (sophomore, second honors); Alexander D'Adamo (senior, second honors); Brandon Dendas (junior, first honors); Brian Engstrom (junior, third honors); Theodore Filardi (junior, second honors); Donald Fillion III (sophomore, first honors); Mark Hamilton (junior, first honors); Stephen Hayes (sophomore, first honors); Alec Iovanne (junior, second honors); Tyler King (freshman, first honors); Michael Montano (junior, first honors); Ryan Nobile (sophomore, second honors); Alexander Pantani (sophomore, second honors); Gregory Park (junior, first honors); GianMarco Pascarella (sophomore, first honors); Nathan Schambach (sophomore, second honors); Jeremy Schilder (sophomore, second honors); Thomas Simjian (junior, first honors); Kevin Sullivan (junior, first honors); and Nicholas Tuchmann (junior, second honors).

• Xavier High School, 3rd Term: Ian P. Albert, '11 (Northford, high honors); Shaun P. Coughlin, '10 (Northford, honors); Timothy T. DeMatteo, '10 (Northford, honors); Ian P. Fitch, '12 (Northford, honors); Miles A. Goad, '11 (North Branford, honors); Jordan D. Greenhalgh, '13 (Northford, high honors); Joseph M. Lynch, '11 (North Branford, high honors); Kyle S. McLaughlin, '12 (Branford, high honors); Andrew W. Moeller, '12 (Northford, high honors); John R. Paine, Jr., '10 (Northford, high honors); Dominick J. Proto, '11 (Branford, high honors); Daniel Ramirez, '12 (Branford, high honors); John P. Reidy, '13 (Northford, high honors); Marc J. Savino, '10 (Northford, high honors); Brian D. Vanacore, '11 (North Branford, honors); and John J. Wilkinson, '10 (Branford, honors).

Career Achievements

• North Branford residents Erin Albright, R.N., Adult Emergency Department, Yale-New Haven Hospital (YNHH), and Lisa Waterbury, R.N., Heart and Vascular Center Nursing Procedures, YNHH, were among a distinguished group of 14 YNHH nurses who received the Nightingale Award for Excellence in Nursing.

• Robin Andreoli of Northford has been hired at The Community Music School of Centerbrook's new executive director.

• Diane Briganti, a realtor with H. Pearce Real Estate's Branford regional office, has earned e-PRO Technology Certification from the National Association of Realtors. She also completed the Web 2.0 and Social Media course. Diane Briganti can be contacted at 203-481-5343, ext. 409, or dbriganti@hpearce.com.

• Noel Gibilaro of North Branford, narrator of the Jules Verne audio-books through his audio-publishing company NoelGVoice.com, LLC, has released the Verne classic The Black Indies, now available for direct download on Audible.com and iTunes.

• The Rev. Sharon Kay Gracen is the new and 47th rector of Trinity Episcopal Church on the Green, Branford.

• Anthony Grammatico of Branford has joined Branford-based O,R&L Construction as a carpenter.

• Debbie Hesse of Branford received the Connecticut Sea Grant program at the University of Connecticut's first Arts Grant. Hesse will use the $1,000 grant to create a large-scale wall installation and a limited edition artist's book depicting portraits of seaweed in and out of its habitat.

• Shirley Mangler of Branford won a Color Photography blue ribbon in the Flowers category at the 132nd Annual Chester Fair.

• Jim Masters of Branford, a Connecticut radio and TV host/personality, recently celebrated a broadcast milestone as he celebrated 15 years on News/Talk 960 WELI New Haven.

• State Senator Ed Meyer (D-12th) was honored by the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance as a Children's Champion for his engagement in issues related to early childhood.

• Tom Sullivan of Branford has opened Jake's Burgers, a franchise of Jake's Hamburgers, located at 4 Hendel Drive in Mystic. Besides burgers, Jake's offers hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, salads, onion rings, french fries, fresh cooked potato chips (served warm), and hand-dipped milkshakes. Jake's also offers online ordering, takeout, and drive-through service.

• Parker S. Wise of Branford has been appointed to the Connecticut Maritime Commission by State House Majority Leader Denise Merrill (D-Mansfield). Wise, a maritime attorney, has national and international experience in shipping and maritime insurance and extensive knowledge of ports and port security. He currently serves as general counsel for Guilford-based American Cruise Lines, Inc./Pearl Seas Cruises LLC.

Acts of Community Service and Charitable Contributions

• Branford residents Wendy Coles, Maryann Hall, and Kristen Kaminsky volunteered their time during Branford Hometown Day by greeting people, filling out forms, answering questions, and checking indentification at HazWaste Central in New Haven.

• Katie Hanchuruck of Branford, an AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps member, provided support to the San Isabel National Forest Service, which was fighting wildfire near the Great Sand Dunes this past June.

• Catherine Liu of Branford, a student at Branford High School, volunteered in Du Jiang Yan, China, with a program for The National Union of Psychotherapists. Based in a temporary housing community resulting from the Sichuan earthquake in May 2008, she interacted with disaster victims. Using art therapy, Liu taught mothers and children how to create paper roses. Proceeds from sales of the finished roses were used for the victims' families.

• Mary Laske of Branford is part of the New Haven Arthritis Walk Committee that planned the recent walk at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven.