Jordan Lee Virden, daughter of Jane and Michael Virden, of Ellicott City, was inducted into the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Virginia Tech chapter; the organization recognizes outstanding academic achievement among first- and second-year college students. Virden is pursuing a degree in biology in Virginia Tech's honors program. She is a 2008 graduate of Centennial High School.

Kate E. LoPresto, daughter of Susan and Mark LoPresto, of Ellicott City, was recently named an Alden Scholar for the 2008-2009 academic year at Allegheny College, an award presented to students who maintain a 3.2 or higher grade-point average during the preceding academic year.

Amanda Essner, of Ellicott City, earned her bachelor's degree in culinary arts from the Culinary Institute of America June 11. She is a 2005 graduate of Mt. Hebron High School.

Sandhya Subramanian and Sheryaar Butt, of Ellicott City, were named to the dean's list for the spring semester at Babson College.

Joe Nalepa, son of Jill and Mike Nalepa, of Ellicott City, was recently accepted into Phi Eta Sigma, the national freshman honor society, at Salisbury University. Nalepa is a freshman majoring in business. He is a 2008 graduate Centennial High School.

Nicole Stafford, daughter of Elizabeth Stafford, of Ellicott City, and Brian Stafford, of Severn, was recently accepted into Phi Eta Sigma, the national freshman honor society, at Salisbury University. Stafford is a sophomore majoring in communication arts. She is a 2008 graduate of Catonsville High School.

Two sisters from Ellicott City were selected to participate in a tribute to Johnny Mercer at Carnegie Hall in New York City on Nov. 20 through the Camp Broadway Kids program. Carey McDonald, 15, a freshman at Marriotts Ridge High School and her sister Kathryn McDonald, 13, an eighth grader at Maryvale Preparatory School, joined the New York Pops Orchestra and guest artists to perform works from Mercer's vast American songbook in "Too Marvelous for Words: A Johnny Mercer Centennial."

---

user comments (0)