Newtown resident Lindsey M. Brown, an environmental studies major at the University of Vermont, received her bachelor of science degree during commencement ceremonies on May 21.

James O’Donoghue

James O’Donoghue, a former student at Newtown High School and a graduate of Wayzetta High School in Wayzetta Minnesota, received his BA from Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mr O’Donoghue pursued a major in international business and secondary concentration in Japanese through an exchange with Macallaster University in Minneapolis. The son of Barbara Allen of Sandy Hook and Thomas O’Donoghue of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, Mr O’Donoghue will continue his education at Villanova School of Law in the fall. While at Villanova he plans to concentrate in business law with specific emphasis in Japanese/American international business relations.

Brett Ingenito

PFC Brett Ingenito, who attended Newtown schools, recently completed 13 weeks of recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. Mr Ingenito earned the title of United States Marine by learning military subjects such as weapons, customs and courtesies, history, uniform regulations, and close order drill, and by overcoming the rigorous physical demands required of each Marine recruit. He also learned the Marine Corps core values of honor, courage, and commitment by completing an intense, 54-hour training event called the Crucible. After a brief visit at home with family and friends, Mr Ingenito attended four weeks of Marine Combat Training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He is now stationed in Twenty Nine Palms, California, where he is being trained in communications. He is the son of Charmaine Lapierre of Newtown and Thomas Ingenito of Woodbridge.

Noah Green

On May 21, Noah Green, son of Mitchell and Kathleen Green of Newtown, graduated cum laude from American University’s Washington College of Law. He has joined the law firm of Cohen & Cohen in DC as an associate. Mr Green previously worked for a judge at DC’s Superior Court, for the House Judiciary Committee on Capital Hill, and for the New York State Supreme Court. This summer, he will take the District of Columbia bar. Mr Green graduated with honors from Wheaton College in 1997 and is a 1994 graduate of Ridgefield High School.

Newtown High School senior Trey Hoppmeyer recently received the school’s Student Government Award during this year’s Awards Night at the high school.

Newtown High School senior Cassie Shewmaker recently received the Newtown Softball Scholarship during the school’s annual Awards Night.

Newtown High School student Katie Diperrio walked away from the school’s annual Awards Night recently with the Kiwanis Scholarship of greater Danbury.

Kevin Fitzgerald, a resident of Bedford, New Hampshire, and a 1996 graduate of Newtown High School, was awarded a bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice at the 107th annual commencement of Saint Anselm College on May 20. He is the son of Mr and Mrs Thomas A. Fitzgerald, formerly of Newtown. While at Saint Anselm, Mr Fitzgerald was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and the Residence Life Staff. He was also a finalist for the Senior Student Award. Mr Fitzgerald plans a career in high education administration, and possible post-graduate work.

Marie E. Robertson, a resident of Newtown, was awarded a bachelor of arts degree in natural science justice at the 107th annual commencement of Saint Anselm College on May 20. Miss Robertson is the daughter of Virginia M. Robertson of Newtown. While at Saint Anselm, Miss Robertson was a member of the women’s varsity soccer teams, and named co-captain in her senior year. She was selected as a participant in the Spring Break Alternative Program her senior year. Miss Robertson plans a career in elementary school teaching and will continue with graduate education after a year of volunteer work.

Newtown resident John E. Bates, son of Mr and Mrs John J. Bates of Ox Hill Road, recently received his bachelor of science degree in biology justice at the 107th annual commencement of Saint Anselm College on May 20.

Cynthia Rossi of Newtown graduated from Quinnipiac College with a master of science degree in biomedical sciences and a master of science degree in molecular and cell biology during commencement exercises May 14. Miss Rossi also won an Academic Excellence award. This award recognizes the outstanding academic achievement of graduate students who have completed their programs of study. These graduates have excelled in both the didactic and clinical/laboratory phases of their post-baccalaureate education.

Douglas Spell, son of Carol Ann and Charles Spell of Saint Simons Island, Georgia, graduated May 27, 2000 from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, receiving a bachelor of arts degree in Political Science.

Sandy Hook resident Jennifer Chion graduated recently from Quinnipiac College with a degree in diagnostic imaging. She is a 1997 graduate of Newtown High School.

On Saturday, June 3, 2000, Julie Rebecca Greene, daughter of Bill and Carolyn Greene, was awarded a bachelor of fine arts degree in apparel design from Rhode Island School of Design, a world renowned art and design school. Miss Greene graduated from Newtown High School in 1996.

Elizabeth A. Heetman, who majored in music therapy, graduated with Honors in the Discipline and cum laude distinctions. She was a member of Alpha Mu, the college’s music therapy club, and was recognized as a dean’s list student. She was a member of the college concert band, concert choir, and flute choir. She is the daughter of Paul and Peg Heetman of Sandy Hook. Miss Heetman graduated Newtown High School in 1995.

Jessica Riccio

Jessica Riccio, daughter of Peter and Mimi Riccio of Sugar Street, graduated from LaSalle University on May 21. Miss Riccio received a bachelor of arts degree in political science and communication, with concentration in international politics and journalism. While at LaSalle she was an active member of the campus community as a staff member of the Collegian, the weekly newspaper, and the Explorer yearbook, and LaSpam (LaSalle’s Political Awareness Magazine). She was a four-year varsity rower, serving as captain of the team for her senior year. Miss Riccio has held several internships while at school, including ones for the Clinton/Gore campaign and for Pennsylvania US Senator Rick Santorum. She has plans to attend law school in 2001.

 Newtown resident David Wilkins was recently recognized with a State Award for the Mathematics and Verbal Talent Search conducted by the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth. David was recognized for being among the highest scoring participants in Connecticut for fifth and sixth grades.