Claire DeSoi of Greene has begun her first year at Mount Holyoke College, the oldest institution of higher education for women in the United States. The class of 2009 numbers 505 students from 41 states and 29 countries. DeSoi is the daughter of Cynthia and William DeSoi of Greene. She is a graduate of Leavitt Area High School. A member of the National Honor Society and a National Merit Commended Scholar, DeSoi was selected for the gifted and talented program in math/science and writing. She was a member of the varsity cross country and Alpine skiing teams and was selected for the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference All-Academic Team in addition to being one of the top 10 students in the Conference. She was also active in the drama club and won an All-Festival Cast Award at the Maine Drama Festival. Captain of the math team, she held membership in the Latin club and participated in the Model State Legislature. DeSoi plans to explore her fields of interest at Mount Holyoke and is considering the medical profession and possibly international relations.

Caroline Ward of Winthrop has begun her first year at Mount Holyoke College, the oldest institution of higher education for women in the United States. The entering class numbers 505 students from 41 states and 29 countries. Ward is the daughter of Edwin and Sarah Ward of Winthrop. She previously attended Central Maine Community College. A member of Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society, Ward’s achievements include being named Student of the Year and being awarded the George Mitchell Peace Scholarship. Her extracurricular activities include serving as president of the student government and tutoring students in mathematics and chemistry. She participated in several community service activities through the Student Senate. While at Mount Holyoke, Ward plans to pursue a course of studies that will prepare her for an advanced degree in chemistry. Her career goal is chemical research.

Babson College announces that the following local resident qualified for the spring semester Dean’s List, which recognizes outstanding student scholarship: Jay Michael Verrill of Auburn; Nathan Maxime Brawn of Topsham.

Members of Elmira College’s Magnificent Class of 2009 were recognized during the College’s Fall Academic Convocation for receiving Valedictorian, Salutatorian, Trustee, Mark Twain or Presidential Scholarships. Kristopher Bennett 09 of Auburn, majoring in Liberal Arts, earned the Mark Twain scholarship. He is the son of Jeffrey and Lorraine Bennett. The Mark Twain Scholarship is valued at $48,000 over four years.

Members of Elmira College’s Magnificent Class of 2009 were recognized during the College’s Fall Academic Convocation for receiving Valedictorian, Salutatorian, Trustee, Mark Twain, or Presidential Scholarships. Michelle Hamann 09, majoring in biology, earned the Presidential Scholarship. Michelle is the daughter of Pierce and Susanne Hamann of Auburn. The Presidential Scholarship is valued at $40,000 over four years.