Liberty student wins Disney book contest

By Staff
A Liberty Middle School student and her fellow classmates will have plenty of new books to read when they return for the 2002-2003 school year.
Rio Gaiser, is one of five respondents from across the country who was recently awarded a grand prize of 41 of the top nominated books, with an additional set being given to the school, by Disney Adventures magazine's third annual book awards.
Her recognition is appearing in the May issue of the magazine.
"The book survey in Disney Adventures is my favorite one," Rio said. "My favorite books are always mentioned but there are also some I haven't heard of. Those are the books I try to find a few of over the summer to read."
The books were delivered to Rio and Liberty Middle School before the close of the 2001-2002 school year. According to Suzanne Harper, editor-in-chief of Disney Adventures and a children's author herself, books were nominated by major book publishers in such categories as adventure, best book of the year, entertainment/biography, historical fiction, mystery/horror, humor and science fiction/fantasy.
Faught earns business degree from Harding University
Nathan A. Faught of Madison was among the 550 graduating seniors who received diplomas in commencement exercises at Harding University this month. Majoring in information technology, Faught received a bachelor of business administration degree.
Area students among Auburn's record class
The following area students were among the record 2,443 who received degrees at Auburn University's spring commencement ceremonies, held Saturday, May 11, in Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum:
Harvest: (Master's) John Karl Metzger; (Bachelor's) Daniel Larry Carter, Matthew Kelly Cox, Nathaniel Alexander Elias, Scott Robert Gibbs, Michael Dean Perry.
Madison: (Doctorate) Laura Jeanne Russell; (Pharmacy Doctorate) William Thomas Park; (Master's) Patrick Davis Delay; (Bachelor's) Christine Louise Belz, Justin Michael Blair, Jennifer Rae Bonner, Kristi Leigh Bozeman, Elizabeth Kathryn Briglia, Natalie Diane Canfield, Adam Bruce Coleman, Rosalyn Correa, Sally Ann Feeser, Brandi Elizabeth Hill, Amber Nicole Ledgerwood, Erika Lynn Newman, Rushikesh Baldev Patel, Latasha Renee Pryor.
Toney: (Bachelor's) Alicia Raby.
Shen receives MCC scholarship
Wennie Shen, a senior at Bob Jones High School, has received a $500 scholarship from the Madison Chamber of Commerce. The announcement came at the recent awards ceremony held at Bob Jones for graduating seniors.
Thurber named Norwich graduate
Melissa Thurber of Madison recently graduated from Norwich University in Vermont with a bachelors of science degree in biology. The commencement was the 183 for Norwich University. It is the nation's oldest private military college.
Chang receives chancellor's award at Syracuse University
Chung Chang of Madison, a sophomore majoring in accounting and finance in the School of Management at Syracuse University, is a member of the Beta Alpha Psi National Accounting Honor Society, XI Chapter, an organization that was honored at the annual Chancellor's Award for Public Service ceremony held at the SU campus.
Grimes receives Modern Woodmen of America scholarship
Lesley Morgan Grimes of Madison County has been awarded an $11,000, four-year fraternal college scholarship in a national competition with other students who are members of the Modern Woodmen of America. Grimes will use the scholarship to attend The University of Mississippi.
Melvin named to Georgia Tech dean's list
Justin D. Melvin of Madison was recently named to the dean's list at the Georgia Institute of Technology for the spring 2002 semester. Undergraduate students earning a 3.0 or higher academic average for the semester gain the distinction of being named to the dean's list.
Palmer selected for Birmingham-Southern Triangle Club
Stephen Palmer, son of David Palmer and Rev. Marjorie Palmer of Madison, was recently selected for the Birmingham-Southern College Triangle Club for the 2002-03 academic year. Club members assist with new student orientation, preview and scholarship days, and other events at the college. Palmer is a freshman and undecided major.