LEWISTON – Seven area residents received bachelor’s degrees during Bates College’s 137th commencement exercises May 26 in an outdoor ceremony on the main campus quadrangle.

Farmington: Jonathan T. Mellen graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology. Mellen’s senior thesis investigated the effectiveness of the emerging field of product placements in popular violent movies. A dean’s list student, he served as a junior adviser during the 2001-02 academic year; as president of the Crosstones, a Bates a cappella ensemble; and as manager of the on-campus Village Club Series of evening entertainment.

He was one of 10 Admissions Fellows, a group of senior interns who interviewed visiting high school applicants. A 1999 graduate of Mount Blue High School, he is the son of Patricia and Thomas Mellen.

Sara A. Miller graduated cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in biology. She was nominated to the southern Maine chapter of Sigma Xi, the scientific research society, in recognition of her independent research accomplishments. A dean’s list student, Miller studied the Trinidad rainforst and fauna during Short Term 2001.

She performed in various Bates Modern Dance Company concerts as well as a 2002 Short Term unit on hip-hop dance and the 2003 theater production of “Lady Windermere’s Fan.”

Miller participated in women’s crew, the sailing club, the Bates Choir and the 2003 Mount David Summit, the annual celebration of student intellectual achievement at Bates. A participant in the 1999 Annual Entering Student Orientation Program (AESOP), she served as a junior adviser in 2001-02. A 1999 graduate of Mount Blue High School, she is the daughter of Carla and Edward Miller.

Jay: Justin N. Easter graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in English. Elected to the College Key by Bates alumni on the basis of academic standing, character, service, leadership and future promise, Easter was named the 2002-03 Male Athlete of the Year at Bates. He successfully defended his national title in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the 2003 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships, finishing with a time of 8:54.27, a new school record.

The co-captain of the men’s cross country, track and Nordic ski teams, Easter finished his career with seven All-American honors, including four in the steeplechase. He participated in 12 national championships (cross country, Nordic skiing and steeplechase) during his four-year career.

Easter received the 2001 Robert Plumb Memorial Award, given to a sophomore for achievement in the fields of athletics and academics, participation in campus activities and general Bates spirit. A 1999 graduate of Jay High School, he is the son of Jennifer and Randy Easter.

Madrid: Morgan L. Perlson graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology. A participant in the 1999 AESOP, she played with the rugby club and participated in the Montello Reads program. Perlson spent the winter semester of her junior year studying in Kenya and presented research at the 2003 Mount David Summit. A 1999 graduate of Mount Abram High School, she is the daughter of Nancy and Gary Perlson.

Turner: Laurie S. Bryant graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts in anthropology. A dean’s list student, she participated in the Representative Assembly, Bates student government and traveled to Budapest as a member of the 2001 Short Term unit, “Bates Theater Abroad,” in which students staged a production at the International Buda Stage. A 1999 graduate of Leavitt Area High School, she is the daughter of Susan and Marshall Bryant.

West Paris: Johanna I. Farrar graduated with a bachelor of arts in history. A dean’s list student, she was a member of the women’s track and field hockey teams. Farrar was named to the 2001 second field hockey team in the All-New England Small College Athletic Conference. She performed with the Bates Modern Dance Company and spent winter 2002 studying in Dunedin, New Zealand. A 1999 graduate of Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, she is the daughter of Beverly and Timothy Farrar Sr.

Winthrop: Nicholas T. Christie, formerly of Boca Raton, Fla., graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in English. A dean’s list student, he participated in the fall 2001 Colby-Bates-Bowdoin Semester in London. A 1999 graduate of Boca Raton Community High School, he is the son of Janet and John Christie.

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