By Khalida Sarwari
As the year comes to a close, families in Saratoga have many things to be thankful for, and among the list of intangibles is sure to be the accomplishments of their children.
Saratogans branched out every which way this year to pursue degrees from universities throughout the state and country, earn dean’s list honors or just take time to explore their interests.
In May, Alyssa Donovan, daughter of Saratoga residents Marilyn Lang and Walter Donovan, graduated cum laude from Amherst College with a degree in geology. Donovan is a graduate of the Harker School.
Saratoga resident Jonathan Hecht also graduated in May from Northern Illinois University.
Heather Ward was named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at the University of Vermont. Ward is a first-year anthropology student in the College of Arts and Sciences. To be named to the dean’s lists, students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or better and rank in the top 20 percent of their class in their respective college or school.
Vivek Singh and Stephanie Janac were named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at Villanova University. Villanova University dean’s list recipients are honored by their college’s respective dean. To qualify, students must be matriculated, full-time and earn a semester grade-point average of at least 3.5. Singh is studying accountancy and Janac is studying management in the Villanova School of Business.
Lauren Lee and Melody Tan were named to Biola University’s dean’s list for the spring semester. To qualify for Biola’s dean’s list, students must have a grade-point average of 3.6.
Nikhil Baradwaj was named to the honor roll at Phillips Academy for the spring term.
Christopher Renalds, who is majoring in musical theater at Emerson College, is part of the school’s production of Starting Here, Starting Now as Man, a musical that explores the excitement of young love and the confusion of growing up.
Finally, Jennifer Kim was inducted into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at the University of the Pacific in Baton Rouge, La. Kim is pursuing a degree in biological science.
