College news
Samantha Ritzer received her master’s degree in geochemistry from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Univerity. She is a member of Sigma Gamma Epsilon geological honor society and received the Conoco Phillips graduate fellowship. Ritzer is a 2010 graduate of Bentworth High School and received her bachelor’s degree in geology in 2014 from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She has an internship with EQT this summer and will begin her doctoral studies in geochemistry at Stanford University in the fall. Her parents are Ed and Linda Ritzer of Scenery Hill.
Joseph Blumer was named to the dean’s list at Slippery Rock University, where he is majoring in exercise science. He is a member of the Pre-Med Club and lacrosse team. Blumer is a 2014 graduate of Trinity High School, and his parents are Nicklous Blumer and Mary Rossi-Blumer of Washington.
Richard A. Fincham graduated magna cum laude from Washington & Jefferson College with a bachelor’s degree in computing and information studies. He received the David and Kristin Steinberg Foundation Scholarship in computing and information studies, was awarded the Carnegie Mellon IT Lab JSI Fellowship and completed a senior honors project, “Behaviorally Grounded Biometric Identification Using Eye Movement Data.” Fincham has been accepted into the Heinz College Master of Science program in information security policy and management at Carnegie Mellon University. He is a 2012 graduate of McGuffey High School, and his parents are Richard and Michelle Fincham of Washington.
Mitchell Malik graduated with a 4.0 grade-point average from Waynesburg University with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. He carried a 4.0 grade-point average throughout college, is a member of Chi Sigma Iota and had an internship at Washington City Mission. Malik is employed as a mental health counselor at the City Mission. He is a 2009 graduate of Trinity High School, and his parents are Jeffrey and Tracee Malik of Washington.
Katie Trapuzzano was named to the dean’s list at Washington & Jefferson College, where she is majoring in business management and administration. She is a 2013 graduate of Trinity High School, and her parents are Ben and Shawn Trapuzzano of Washington.
Dr. Alexandra R. Rice graduated magna cum laude from the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy, where she earned her Doctorate of Pharmacy. She also graduated as an Honors Scholar from the WVU Honors College. Rice was named to the dean’s list for six consecutive years. She is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Phi Sigma Theta National Honor Society, American Pharmacists Association and Lambda Kappa Sigma Professional Pharmacy Fraternity. Rice has been an active volunteer with community health fairs in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, is a member of the Relay for Life team and a pet placement volunteer with Homeward Bound in West Virginia. She has accepted a pharmacist position with RiteAid Corp. in the West Virginia District. Rice is a 2010 graduate of Trinity High School, and her parents are Karl and Denise Rice of Lone Pine.