Pine Point teacher selected for National History Day program

Christopher Hurtgen, a teacher at Pine Point School in Stonington, has been selected for a National History Day summer professional development program. One of 98 teachers selected nationwide, Hurtgen will participate in the new course that uses digitized primary sources and other online Library of Congress materials to use in history lessons.

Hurtgen will receive free tuition, graduate credits and course materials for his students. He was nominated by Connecticut History Day, part of the Connecticut Democracy Center. For more information about the national program, visit nhd.org.

Waterford resident recognized by oil and energy association

Jim Todd of Waterford was recently honored by the National Association of Oil and Energy Service Professionals through the awarding of its annual industry awards. Todd, of R.W. Beckett, received the Hugh W. McKee Memorial Award.

"These individuals represent the best of the best this year, and it is our privilege to bestow these national awards for their excellence and dedication to the industry," Bob Daros, awards committee chair, said in a release.

Friends and Neighbors is a regular feature in The Times. To contribute, email times@theday.com.