LEWISTON – Seven local students are among 516 students who are starting at Bates College this fall.

Auburn: Hannah L. Giasson, a 2005 graduate of Edward Little High School, is the daughter of Katherine Giasson, 47 Allen Ave.

Canton: Matthew F. Chamberlin, a 2005 graduate of Dirigo High School, is the son of Arthur and Anne Chamberlin, 502 Canton Point road.

Farmington: Jessie K. Smith, a 2005 graduate of Mount Blue High School, is the daughter of Alden and Diane Smith, 207 Middle St.

New Gloucester: Jonathan G. Lobozzo, a 2005 graduate of Gray-New Gloucester High School, is the son of Allan and Mary Lobozzo, 160 Gloucester Hill Road.

Paris: Thomas S. Kothe, a 2005 graduate of Oxford Hills High School, is the son of James and Karen Kothe, 479 Paris Hill Road.

Wyman Township: Sadie L. White, a 2005 graduate of Mount Abram High School, is the daughter of Stephen and Marcia White Mugwump road.

Wilton: Tyler P. Schoen, a 2005 graduate of Mount Blue High School, is the son of John and Patricia Schoen, 777 Temple St.

Bates College is widely regarded as one of the finest U.S. liberal arts colleges. Learning at Bates is honed through seminars, research, service-learning, study abroad and the senior thesis, and a 10-1 student-faculty ratio enables close collaborations in classroom and laboratory. Alumni frequently credit Bates for developing their powers of critical and aesthetic assessment, expression and independent thought. Bates was founded in 1855 by Maine abolitionists and its graduates have always included men and women from diverse racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds.