College news
Travis Bissett graduated from West Virginia University College of Business and Economics, where he majored in finance. He is a member of the Institute for Supply Management. Bissett is a 2009 graduate of Waynesburg High School and is employed by MEC Construction LLC. His parents are George and Debbie Bissett of Waynesburg.
Kelly Marie Blackhust was named to the dean’s list at the University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown, where she is majoring in early childhood education. She is internal vice president of the Blue & Gold Society and a member of the National Society of Leadership & Success and the Education Club. Blackhurst is a 2010 graduate of Trinity High School and is employed by Jimmy Johns. Her parents are Carla Blackhurst of Washington and the late Kenny Blackhurst.
Jordan Brooks was named to the dean’s list at California University of Pennsylvania, where he is majoring in theater. Brooks is treasurer of Alpha Psi Omega Honorary Theatre Fraternity, starred as Matt in the university’s spring production of “The Fantasticks” and was showcased in the university’s spring dance concert. Brooks studies voice through the university’s Mon Valley Performing Arts Academy. Brooks is a 2010 graduate of Waynesburg Central High School and is employed by Cal U.’s work study children’s summer theater program. His parents are Carl and Valerie Brooks of Waynesburg.
Bruce Joseph Carlton, son of David and Joann Carlton of Midway, graduated from Carlow University, where he majored in sociology with a specialization in criminal justice. He also was named to the dean’s list in the spring. Carlton is a 2008 graduate of Fort Cherry Junior/Senior High School and is employed by Quicksilver Golf Course. Carlton plans are to attend the Police Academy in January.
Christine Costello graduated magna cum laude from California University of Pennsylvanis with a bachelor of arts degree in applied sociology. She was named a 2013 presidental scholar and is a member of Pi Gamma Mu, Order of Omega and Gamma Sigma Alpha National Honorary societies. Her parents are Joe and Debbie Costello of Washington.
Douglas DiGiovanni, son of Dan and Judy DiGiovanni of Washington, graduated from Wheeling Jesuit University with a doctorate in physical therapy. He is a 2001 graduate of Trinty High School and a 2005 graduate of Washington & Jefferson College, where he earned a degree in political science.
Justin Alan Johnson, son of Charles and Bonnie Johnson of Washington, was named to the dean’s list at Waynesburg University, where he is majoring in business management, with minors in finance and economics. He is a 2010 graduate of the Pennsylvania Homeschool Accreditation Agency and is employed by Interstate Foodland. Johnson also is a student pilot.
Kelsey Lantz of Washington graduated with honors from Lafayette College, where she majored in engineering studies and international affairs. She received the National Academy of Engineering Grand Scholars Award, the Jeffrey B. Havens Memorial Prize and the Charles L. Best Memorial Prize in engineering studies. She also was a member of the Sigma Iola Rho honors society. Lantz was awarded a scholarship to pursue graduate studies in civil engineering at Clemson University. She is a 2009 graduate of Trinity High School, and her parents are Don and Wendi Dallatore and the late Richard Lantz.
Makenzie McElhaney was named to the dean’s list with a 4.0 grade-point average for the second consecutive semester at Slippery Rock University, where she is majoring in exercise science/physical therapy. She is a 2012 graduate of McGuffey High School, and her parents are Jim and Sally McElhaney of Washington.
Carrie Milliken, senior majoring in chemistry and Spanish at Washington & Jefferson College, received the College Chemistry Award from the Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh at a dinner at Duquesne University of Pittsburgh. Milliken was named to the dean’s list and received the Vira Heinz Scholarship, Adlai E. Michaels Prize for Chemistry and ACS Undergraduate Award in analytical chemistry. She is a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society and SAACS Chemistry Club. Milliken is a 2009 graduate of McGuffey High School, and her parents are Michael and Joni Milliken.
Melissa Poach, daughter of Mark and Marty Poach of Washington, was named to the dean’s list at Waynesburg University, where she is majoring in early childhood education. She is a member of Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education and a member of the indoor and outdoor track teams. She is a 2010 graduate of Trinity High School and is employed by American Eagle at Tanger Outlets.
Zachary Podrasky, son of James and Adrienne Podrasky of Houston, graduated from Washington & Jefferson College with a bachelor of arts degree in accounting. He was named to the dean’s list several times and was a member of the Student Accounting Society and the rugby, baseball and football teams. He is a 2009 graduate of Chartiers-Houston High School and interned with Pricewaterhouse Cooper. Podrasky is employed by Bond Beebe in Bethesda, Md.
Stephanie Sapic was named to the dean’s list for the sixth consecutive semester at Waynesburg University, where she is majoring in early childhood education/special education. She is a member of the university’s honor society in education and Kappa Delta Pi National Honor Society. Sapic is a 2010 graduate of Trinity High School and is employed by Once Upon A Time Child Care Center in Washington, Aeropostale and the Double Tree Hotel in Meadow Lands. Her parents are Ken Sapic and Kim Sapic, both of Washington.
Chelsy Joleen Smalley graduated from Point Park University, where she majored in public relations and advertising. She was named to the dean’s list several semesters and was a member of Student Activities Board-PRSSA/ADFED. She is a 2009 graduate of Washington High School, and her parents are Tim Smalley and Jovita Smalley, both of Washington.
Christina Tarbuck, daughter of Michael and Mary Lynn Tarbuck of Washington, was named to the dean’s list with a 4.0 grade-point average at California University of Pennsylvania, where she is majoring in early childhood education and special education. Tarbuck was selected to receive the Dr. Saundra L. Stout ’72 Endowed Scholarship for the 2013-14 academic year. The scholarship is awarded annually to education majors who have maintained a high grade-point average and are graduates of a Washington County high school. Tarbuck is a 2010 graduate of Trinity High School and is employed by Saks Fifth Ave. off 5th.
Mark Wingard, son of Ken and Debbie Wingard of Strabane, was named to the dean’s list at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he is majoring in exercise science. He is a 2010 graduate of Canon-McMillan High School and is employed by Eat n’ Park in Indiana.
Brian Wise graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor of science degree in security risk analysis, specializing in information and cyber security. He also minored in information science and technology. Wise was named to the dean’s list. He is a 2008 graduate of Waynesburg Central High School, and his parents are Donald L. and Pamela Wise of Waynesburg.
Seven Washington & Jefferson College students are spending the summer conducting cutting-edge research in world-renowned facilities as this year’s recipients of Merck Internships for Excellence in Science awards. Initiated in 2008 through funding from the Merck Institute for Science Education, the program is designed to support W&J students in their efforts to land prestigious research internships in the sciences. Recipients are junior Leslie Deutschman, who is majoring in biochemistry; junior Lauren Fisher, chemistry and philosophy; sophomore Zach Drennen, biochemistry; junior Tyler Geshay, cell and molecular biology; junior Rachel Guest, chemistry and business; sophomore Carli Obeldobel, cell and molecular biology; and junoir Julie Pacilio, chemistry. Fisher was valedictorian of California High School Class of 2010. She will return to the laboratory of W&J alumnus Dr. William Cruikshank at Boston University School of Medicine to continue the research on the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of asthma that she started during her 2012 Merck-funded internship.