Ferguson

Jacob Ferguson, 13, son of Ray and Kim Ferguson of Butler, recently won an essay contest sponsored by the Pittsburgh Carson Scholars Fund.An 8th grade student at Butler Catholic School, he received a $1,000 scholarship to the four-year college of his choice.In school, Ferguson is active in student council and basketball. He also plays baseball for Butler Township Little League.———

James Hawthorne recently graduated from the Army ROTC Leader Development and Assessment Course, also known as "Operation Warrior Forge," at Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Wash.Astudent at Indiana (Pa.) University, he is the son of Michelle Hawthorne of Cabot. He is a 2002 graduate of Mars High School.———

Emily Graham, a student at Portersville Christian School, has been named a Commended Student in the 2008 National Merit Scholarship Program.Commended students are chosen based on their performance on the PSAT. Graham will receive a letter of commendation.———

Jennifer Cannon and

Kenneth Elliott were recently inducted into the Rho Phi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Butler County Community College.Cannon is the daughter of Patrick and Marion Cannon of Butler.Elliott, an architecture/drafting major, is the son of John Spickenreuther of Phoenix and Corrine Morgan of Park River, N.D.He resides in Petrolia with his wife, Tracy Elliott.———

Megan Sauter a student at Mars High School, attended the Pennsylvania Governor's School for Health Care recently at the University of Pittsburgh.Sauter was one of 110 students statewide to participate in the five-week program, which focused on preparing students for health care careers.———

Michael Steiner of East Brady has been selected for membership in the Sigma Alpha Lambda National Leadership and Honors Organization at Indiana (Pa.) University.