MMI
MMI Preparatory School, Freeland, awarded diplomas to 35 seniors at its 122nd commencement exercises on May 22.
Roger Knittle, son of Roger and Sherry Knittle, Ringtown, was valedictorian for the Class of 2014 and Jeffrey Ryan Careyva, son of Edward and Jill Careyva, Ringtown, was salutatorian.
During commencement exercises, Roger told his fellow graduates, "MMI has prepared us to face and overcome challenges, challenges that we will be presented with in our future lives. Therefore, this graduation marks the end of practicing the skills we were taught here, and the beginning of applying them to the real world so that we not only can advance our own positions in this world, but also can advance the world by tackling challenges with innovative and intelligent solutions.
"MMI has taught us the skill of enduring through challenges. This skill is critical in life, because as the British explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton put it best, 'By endurance we conquer.'"
Jeffrey also addressed his classmates, noting that "Tonight, high school ends for me and for every great person who is dreaming up here with me."
Florida Coastal
Brittany Gabrielle Mesarick graduated May 18 with a juris doctor degree from Florida Coastal School of Law, Jacksonville, Fla. She graduated with pro bono honors and a certificate in family law.
While at the school of law, Brittany served as a student ambassador and held several offices in Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International. She plans to pursue a career in criminal defense.
Brittany is a graduate of Cardinal Brennan High School and Clarion University, and a daughter of Andrew and Joyce Mesarick, Ringtown.
Towson
Lynn Davies graduated summa cum laude from Towson University, Towson, Maryland, with a master's degree in occupational therapy.
Lynn will be relocating to Seattle, Washington, to accept a position in that field.
A 2009 graduate of Tamaqua Area High School, Lynn is a daughter of Jon and Debbie Davies, Tuscarora, and granddaughter of Gwen Evans and Betty Davies, both of Tamaqua.
Lafayette
The following local residents graduated from Lafayette College, Easton, during the college's 179th commencement held May 24:
John Keller Jr., Orwigsburg, graduated summa cum laude and earned a bachelor's degree in computer science with honors in computer science.
Christian Modesto, Pottsville, graduated cum laude and earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering.
Bloomsburg
Eric S. Petrozino, Saint Clair, graduated cum laude from Bloomsburg University with a degree in liberal arts, majoring in political science.
Eric was awarded the Political Science Department award for outstanding academic achievement and contributions to the department. He was also named the scholarship winner of the Prateek Goorha Research Methods Paper award for his research titled, "We the People and the Supreme Court: Determining the Effects of Public Opinion on Court Decisions in the 21st Century."
A 2010 graduate of Pottsville Area High School, Eric is a son of Anthony and Martina Petrozino and a grandson of Lorraine A. Murphy, Pottsville, and Johnola Petrozino, Frackville.
He is continuing his education and has accepted admission to West Virginia University College of Law in August.
Lebanon Valley
John Paul Semanchik, Shenandoah, was among 523 students who graduated at Lebanon Valley College's 145th Commencement Exercises May 10.
He earned a bachelor's de-gree in early childhood education.
Emory
Matthew Witkin, Pottsville, and Katharine Yueng-ling, Orwigsburg, earned bachelor's degrees from Emory College of Arts and Sciences of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, at its 169th commencement ceremony on May 12.