Lauren Busser received an honorable mention and a grant of $500 from the 2008 Milton Fisher Scholarships for Innovation and Creativity. Awards ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 were given to four students from across the state, and two awards of $500 were given to two students. The scholarship is open to high school juniors, seniors and college freshmen from the state. The Renee B. Fisher Foundation established the scholarship in memory of Milton Fisher, who was known for encouraging others to take initiative in finding creative solutions to the problems around them. Lauren received honorable mention for writing two plays that revolved around World War II and the Stonewall Riots. Lauren, who now attends Sarah Lawrence College and is studying lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender rights and issues, was moved to write the plays because she was disturbed by the portrayal of the gay and lesbian community in America.

Caitlin Kalbacher of Sandy Hook was one of 53 students from the region who were inducted into the Lauralton Hall chapter of the National Honor Society at a ceremony held November 6. To earn this honor students must have an overall grade average of 90 or more, and be deemed by Lauralton Hall faculty to be a role model in the areas of service, leadership, and personal moral character.