Schools

County high schools may implement new graduation requirements ahead of the rest of the state if school officials get their way. According to Director of Secondary and Career Education Laura Hovermale, the county has applied for a state waiver that would allow Berkeley Springs and Paw Paw High Schools to jump ahead with state graduation rules slated to start in the 2008-2009 school year.

Hovermale told school board members about the waiver at their July 2 meeting. The new graduation requirements could easily be implemented for incoming ninth graders this year, Hovermale said. That would give school officials extra time to meet state requirements the following year.

Parents of Morgan County four year olds will have a new place to enroll their children for free pre-Kindergarten classes during the 2007-2008 school year.

School officials unanimously approved plans for the early childhood classes in a July 2 agreement with Doodlebugs Learning Station on Oakland Road in southern Morgan County.

saraH renee byrD, daughter of Debra Byrd of Berkeley Springs, and graduated from Shenandoah University of Winchester Va., with a Bachelor of Science, Degree with a major in biology and kinesiology with a concenbration in physician assisted studies.

During her college years she was elected president of the Health Professions Organization and recipient of Who's Who Among College Students in American Colleges and Universities. She also earned her certified nursing assisted certification. She has been employed by Apple Blossom Family Practice sine June of 2006.

Allegany college of maryland

Three hundred and sixty-seven students were named to the Allegany College of Maryland dean's list for the spring 2007 semester, according to Dr. Bruce Exstrom, ACM vice president of instructional affairs.

A Honor Roll

12th grade: Ashley M. Barnes, Tyson D. Bennett, Joseph A. Berens, Anthony J. Blankenship, Joshua S. Clark, Angela S. Dively, Eric G. Duckwall, Silvia Grauel, Ernest D. Havermale, Jr., Breanna J. Henry, Alexis K. Hoover, Caitlin R. Hott, Timothy C. Keller, Courtney S. Kesecker, Eric R. Lyda, Derrick L. MacDowall, Travis W. McCoy, Caitlin Michael, Megan A. Omps, Amy B. Perry, Thomas J. Price, Sarah E. Risinger, Amanda M. Schmidt, Jessica Sheppard, Danielle A. Shields, Nathan L. Sirbaugh, Joshua D. Smalley, Joseph R. Stotler, Kelsey L. Swaim, Charles S. Trump, V, Brian Walter, Jacob R. Waugh, Chelsea L. White, Kevin D. Wurster.

Special Honors 4.0

Sixth grade: Emma Bostic, Stephanie Catlett, Brian Close, Christine Crouse, Emily Defibaugh, Lindsay Grace, Taylor Haines, Scott Hessler, Sarah Keefer, Nativa Kesecker, Kaitlin Larue, Diandra Macleod, Victoria McCumbee, Rachel Michaels, Scott Morris, Natalie Redick, Lauryl Scott, Kortini Shambaugh, Courtney Smith, Brittney Stotler, Catherine Watson, Ashley Wolfe.

Paw Paw High School announces the Valedictorian and Salutation of the Class of 2007 Timothy Jordan Holliday and Jessica Lynn Miller.

Holliday is the son of David and Lisa Holliday and grandson of Wayne and Rita Bradfield of Paw Paw and the late Doris Holliday.

Foursomes fielded by 33 area businesses took part in the eighth annual Berkeley Springs-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce golf tournament at Cacapon State Park. One hundred thirty-two golfers competed with monies raised dedicated to the Chamber's new Morgan County map project.

"The event was a tremendous success," Tom Rokisky, golf tournament co-chair said. "The new Morgan County maps are a much needed improvement for navigating the area. The Chamber has donated maps to local emergency service agencies. They are available to Chamber members and the public for a nominal fee. We also are excited about hosting our next tournament. We have already reserved the course for the ninth annual tournament next June 4."

Fairmont State

Justin Ridgeway was among those named to the Dean's Lists at Fairmont State University after completing the spring 2007 semester. A total of 1,279 Fairmont State students are being recognized for academic distinction by earning a 3.4 or better grade point average.

Benjamin Samuel Hopkins of Berkeley Springs, graduated from Shepherd University on May 19 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Family Consumer Sciences and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Orchestral Performance.