Milestones

Hannah Durrette of Henrico was named to the spring 2019 dean’s list at Bob Jones University in Greenville, S.C. The dean’s list recognizes students who earn a 3.00 to 3.74 semester grade point average. Durrette, a junior, is majoring in Educational Studies.

Mikaela Danielle Craft of Henrico was named to the spring 2019 dean’s list at Greensboro College in North Carolina. To qualify for the dean’s list, students must have a semester grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

The following students from Henrico County recently graduated from Coastal Carolina University in Conway, S.C.: Sarah Busch, Ericka Ellwanger, Thomas Ricker and Renzi Smith.

Belle Isle Books announces the upcoming release of “A Caterpillar at the Dentist,” written by Dr. Shweta Ujaoney, a dentist in Glen Allen. The children’s book addresses the anxiety children feel about going to the dentist. The story follows a young girl named Ira who is nervous about getting a filling at the dentist’s office. She meets Zack, a talking caterpillar, in the waiting room who explains that the dentist’s tools are simple harmless objects used in everyday life. Through their imagination, Ira learns to understand the nature and importance of getting a filling. Through her dental practice, Dr. Ujaoney has found that kids love to learn about the dental gadgets and be active participants in treatment. Dr. Ujaoney also teaches at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Dentistry and is the mother of a young girl who also experienced anxiety before dental procedures. “A Caterpillar at the Dentist” is scheduled for release on June 5.

Elizabeth Ludovico of Henrico was named to the spring 2019 dean’s list at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. To be eligible for the dean’s list, students must earn a semester grade point average of 3.5.

Walker Stettinius of Henrico earned a bachelor of arts degree in Media Arts Production from Emerson College in Boston, Mass. Stettinius completed the degree in December 2018 and was honored May 12 during commencement.

Cassia Waligora of Henrico recently was inducted into the Pi Sigma Alpha at Wheaton College in Illinois. Pi Sigma Alpha is the national honor society for undergraduate political science majors with high academic achievement. The Wheaton chapter promotes dialogue on issues related to the study and practice of politics.

Cam Timok of Glen Allen was honored for his contributions to the Central College wrestling team this winter at the squad’s recent awards banquet. Timok, a graduate of Hermitage High School, earned MVP honors. His awards include: third varsity letter; NCAA Division III All-American (2016-17, 2018-19); NCAA Division III national qualifier (2016-17, 2018-19); All-American Rivers Conference (2018-19); All-Iowa Conference (2016-17); Iowa Conference male athlete of the week (Dec. 3, 2017); Iowa Conference wrestler of the week (Dec. 3, 2017); and Most Valuable Performer Award (2018-19).

Thomas Walker of Henrico earned dean’s list honors for the spring 2019 semester at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Dean’s list honors are awarded to students who earn a semester grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

Olivia Carey of Henrico and Casey Duby of Glen Allen were named to the spring 2019 dean’s list at Emerson College in Boston, Mass. To qualify for the dean’s list, students must earn a semester grade point average of 3.7 or higher.

Katelynn Bortz of Henrico has been named one of 10 National Scholars at Clemson University for 2019. Bortz attended Maggie L. Walker Governor's School. Chosen from more than 1,600 applicants to the Honors College and from a group of 36 who were invited to interview on campus in February, National Scholars are selected based on academic excellence, interests and experiences, leadership activities, and the impact they have had or will have on their local and global communities. They will receive a full cost-of-attendance scholarship to Clemson and exclusive academic and community engagement opportunities, including a fully-funded study abroad experience after their first year. Bortz served as co-president of Maggie L. Walker's Young Democrats Club and National Chinese Honor Society. She was a member of the Virginia State Champion "We the People" constitutional debate team and a three-time varsity field hockey player. This past fall, she founded her own club called Teens Against Gun Violence and was selected to present research at George Mason University on commodity feminism. She is a National Merit Semi-Finalist, an AP Scholar with Distinction and the recipient of the John Merchant Book Award from the University for Virginia for her efforts to promote diversity in her school and community. She plans to double major in women's leadership and history with a minor in Chinese. After college she hopes to attend law school and run for public office.