Lori Hovis of Butler recently became a member of Sigma Alpha Lambda, the national leadership and honors organization at the University of Pittsburgh.

She is a 2012 graduate of Butler High School and the daughter of Ron and Bev Hovis.

Sigma Alpha Lambda promotes academic achievement and offers opportunities for community service and personal development.

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Eight local students were selected for Sutton Scholars academic achievement scholarships at Indiana (Pa.) University.

The scholarship recognizes freshman applicants who have very strong academics and outstanding promise.

The following students are Sutton recipients:

Samantha Barnhart of Butler is the daughter of Roger and Janice Barnhart and a graduate of Butler High School.

Matt Eperesi of Mars is the son of Mike and Lisa Eperesi and a graduate of Mars High School.

Michelle Franks of Harmony is a graduate of Seneca Valley High School and the daughter of Joseph and Beth Franks.

Leah Marofsky of Cranberry is the daughter of Michael and Francine Marofsky and a graduate of Seneca Valley High School.

Maggie McChesney of Valencia is a graduate of Mars High School and the daughter of Robert and Nora McChesney.

Devin McDermott of Cranberry is the son of Chris and Claudia McDermott and a graduate of Seneca Valley High School.

Emily Saluga of Cranberry is a graduate of Seneca Valley High School and the daughter of Donald and Margaret Saluga.

Andrew Selker of Valencia is the son of James and Linda Selker and a graduate of Mars High School.

Students apply for the program and participate in an on-campus competitive interview process. The scholarship is available to Pennsylvania students and can be renewed for four years of study.

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The following local youths, who will soon be in 12th grade, were among the 195 young men who graduated from the Pennsylvania American Legion Keystone Boys State program held at Shippensburg State University in June:

Eric Walker of Butler attends Knoch High School.

Aaron Malecki of Sarver attends Freeport High School.

Michael Kennedy of Butler attends Knoch High School.

Caleb Bickel of Prospect attends Slippery Rock High School.

Nathan Walls of Butler attends Knoch High School.

The program focuses on participation and personal experience in a model state designed to mirror the structure and operation of the state government.