Julie Hranica, a junior at Freeport High School, was recently awarded first place at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Competition at Slippery Rock University.Second place in the competition went to Freeport High School seniorJackie Hranica.Both are the daughters of Edward and Donna Hranica of Buffalo Township.

Mars High School Chorus members <b>Grant Giel, Katie Roth</b> and <b>Mark Stenner</b> were selected by solo audition to perform in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association Region I State Chorus Festival held recently at Norwin High School.

<b>Emily Olmstead</b>, a student at St. Luke Lutheran School, has been accepted into the People to People World Leadership Forum.As a member of the forum, Olmstead will study leadership for high school credit and visit several national monuments in Washington, D.C.

<b>Tyler Bandura</b>, son of Larry and Cindy Bandura of Manorville, grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bandura of Butler, has been accepted to the Seminary for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Greensburg.He will attend St. Mark Seminary in Erie while pursuing a degree in social work at Gannon University.A senior at Ford City Jr.-Sr. High School, he is a member of the National Honor Society, concert band, marching band and peer mentoring.Bandura is a member of the Christ Prince of Peace Parish were he serves as a cross bearer, master of ceremonies, lector, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, youth group member and CCD teacher.He has also participated in the Pro-Life March in Washington, D.C., for three years.

<b>Joseph Zacherl</b>, son of Frank and Nancy Zacherl of Jefferson Township, has been accepted to Clarkson University for the fall 2005 term.A senior at Knoch High School, he plans to major in computer engineering.

<b>Sara Pajer</b>, daughter of Thomas and Therese Pajer of Sarver, has been accepted to the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg.A 2004 graduate of Freeport High School, she participated in school musical for two years, the marching band auxiliary for four years and the track team for one year.Pajer plans to study management.

<b>Glenna Wilson</b>, daughter of David and Toni Wilson of Sarver, has been accepted to Edinboro University for the fall 2005 semester.A senior at Freeport High School, she is a member of the Key Club and the colorguard.She plans to major in education.

<b>Bradley Hughes</b>, son of Roger and Cheryl Hughes of Penn Township, was recently awarded a full scholarship to attend Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week at Lycoming College.A junior at Knoch High School, he will spend one week at the economic education program.

<b>Brianna Sullivan</b> of Butler, a freshman at St. Joseph High School, was a member of the third place team in the senior group performance category at the regional History Day competition held March 19.The team will go advance to the state competition in May.

<b>Bryan Farney</b>, son of Doug and Judy Farney of Saxonburg, was recently awarded first place in the Backhoe Division at the Pennsylvania College of Technology Heavy Equipment Rodeo.A student in the Operation program, he is a member of the Operators and Mechanics Club.

<b>Chiara Laconi</b> of Butler has been awarded the Presidential Scholar Award at Slippery Rock University.A sophomore at the university, she is pursuing bachelor's degrees in Spanish and social work.

A team of seven students from Mars Area High School has advanced to the Pennsylvania Odyssey of the Mind state finals April 16 at Altoona Area High School.The students from Mars will present their solution to "Get the Message," a challenge that requires them to present an original performance that includes a story told three times, each using a different method of communication.Team members include <b>Kaitlyn Angeletti, Katy Doyle, Morgan Henrich, Kelly Lipovich, Megan Sauter, Angela Schwab</b>, and <b>Emilee Williams</b>.