The Courier-News from Bridgewater, New Jersey • Page 79

Section 1, Page 8 Strictly Somerset, THURSDAY, JULY 3, 1997 rofhers follow similar paths to success ill lii -t-5 I i 1 Gideon and Micah Lewis-Kraus have much in common. They are brothers and live in Watcbung. They also happen to carry "4.0 plus" grade point averages in their schools. And both boys were recognized with the award for "Outstanding Academic Achievement on their graduations, three years apart, from Valley View Intermediate School, in Watt-hung. Micah was the most recent to be recognized, graduating from the school two weeks ago.

"It was the exclamation point of my year the 14-year old scholar said. Micah was also honored as the MVP of the basketball team for his play last season as a power forward, and has had one of his photos displayed in the Somerville Courthouse as part of the Somerset County Cultural and Heritage Exhibit. publicized "Fresh Perspectives" juried art exhibit. Though 600 entered, only 80 artists were selected to appear in the show. But these brothers say there's no competition between them.

"We're interested in the same kinds of Micah began. we don't compete," Gideon finished. Both brothers credit their parents heavily for their successes. "Our parents never treated us like little kids," Gideon said. "Our intellectual curiosity was never extinguished." Their father is David Kraus, a rabbi in Bound Brook.

Ellen Lewis, their mother and a rabbi at the Jewish Center of New Jersey in Washington was modest when asked about the parents' part in their sons' successes. "It's a mystery to me," Lewis said of her progeny's prodigiousness. "We haven't pushed them," said the rabbitherapistmom. "They pretty much pushed themselves. "The thing I always thought was important was that emotional needs outweigh academic needs," Lewis said.

She was able to give a unique viewpoint on parenting her two highly intelligent and opinionated boys. "Mostly," she said, "you just try to stay out of their way." By Dan O'Donnell Courier-News Writer In Our Schools appears Thursdays in Strictly Somerset. To have your item included, submit it to: In Our Schools, The Courier-News Features Department, P.O. Box 6600, Bridgewater, N.J. 08807.

Or fax us at (908) 707-3113. 5 mMK- In addition, he was one of a small group of Valley View School students who attended math classes at the Watcbung Hills High School because they had surpassed the intermediate school's capabilities. "My brother was a big influence. He helped me find what my interests were," Micah said of Gideon, 17. Three years older than Micah, Gideon attended the same schools as his brother and made his own mark as a scholar.

Now a senior at the Pingry School, Gideon is advanced enough to take theoretical math classes at Princeton University during the upcoming school year. His school career, as well, has been marked by artistic, and academic, successes. Recently his photography was included in Morris Museum's widely Photo by Dan DonneM Gideon Lewis-Kraus, left, and Micah Lewis-Kraus, right, with their mom Ellen Lewis. U.S. Coast Guard Academy Kevin Christopher Mahoney, son of Mr.

and Mrs. Christopher Mahoney of Bridgewater, graduated with honors on May 21 from the United States Coast Guard Academy, New London, College, Allentown, earlier this spring. Glen C. Denys, of Somerville, son of the the Rev. and Mrs.

Jack Denys, bachelor's degree in English, summa cum laude. Ellen P. Murphy, of the Martinsville section of Bridgewater, received a bachelor's degree in international relations, cum laude. Boston College James Patrick Dowden, son of James and Donna Dowden, of Bridge-water, was awarded a bachelor's 4 i Kerry N. Norris, of Neshanic Station, is the daughter of Mr.

and Mrs. William R. Norris. She received her bachelor's degree in English, cum laude. fttf) Conn.

Ensign Mahoney graduated as the cadet with the highest academic standing for all four years of instruction and was awarded a bachelor's degree in operations A. degree, magna cum laude, in the Political Science Honors Program, at the 121st commencement of Boston College in May. James Dowden is a 1993 graduate of Immacula- bachelor's degree in engineering-electrical. Tracey L. Veracco, of Somerville, daughter of Timothy and Wallace Veracco, bachelor's degree in engineering-civil.

Columbia University Juliet Macur, a Bridgewater resident and former Bridgewater-Raritan High School West student, received a master's degree from the Columbia University Graduate of Journalism on May 21. She was one of 24 students who graduated with honors out of class of 267. Macur began a job with the Orlando Sentinel in Orlando, in mid-June as a sportswriter. Duke University Tammy Lynn Meyer, of Bound Brook, graduated summa cum laude from Duke University in Durham, N.C., on May 18. Meyer received her bachelors's degree in political science (with departmental distinction) and history, with a minor in philosophy.

She is the daughter of Edward and Barbara Meyer. Elizabethtown College Four Somerset County residents were among the 329 seniors who graduated from Elizabethtown College in Elizabethtown, on May 17. The graduates: Maria R. Cicarella, who majored in communications and completed a minor program in Spanish. She is the daughter of Mr.

and Mrs. Frank Cicarella of North Plainfield. She is a 1993 graduate of North Plainfield High School. She was Features Editor for the Etownian-the College's newspaper, DJ Director for WWEC-the College's radio station, and a member of Society of Collegiate Journalists. Amy M.

Pelesky, who majored in psychology and completed a minor program in French. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Pelesky of Somerville.

She is a 1993 graduate of Immaculata High School. Kristen E. Pettersen, who majored in elementary and early commencement exercises on May 18. She is the daughter of Robert Pfeil, of Manville, and Sandie Pfiel of Princeton. At the school in Selinsgrove, she was also a member of Study Buddy, a Student Government Association senator, a member of the Psychology Club and a member of the Crusader newspaper's editorial board.

After graduation she will attend graduate school at Fairleigh Dickinson. Swarthmore College Two Somerset County residents received degrees from Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, at the school's 125th commencement on June 2. Jill Wildonger, daughter of Carol and Kenneth Wildonger of Bridgewater, received a bachelor's degree in biology. She graduated from Bridge-water Raritan High School in 1993. Wildonger is a member of Sigma Xi, a scientific research honor society.

She was also a member of the varsity track and field and soccer teams and was a volunteer with SHIP (Serving the Homeless in Philadelphia). Wildonger will attend the Columbia University graduate program in neurobiology. Kristin Sostowski, daughter of Patricia Duncan and Dr. Richard Sostowski of Bernards, received a bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, with high honors. She graduated from The Pingry School in 1993.

Sostowski was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. She was a Lang Scholar for Social Action and received the Roland Pennock Fellowship for Public Affairs. She was also president of the Feminist Majority and was a tour guide for the Admissions Office. Sostowski plans to attend law school. Syracuse University Heather Ronca of Bridgewater was one of 2,600 graduates of Syracuse University this spring.

She received a bachelor's degree in Television-Radio-Film Production from the SI Newhouse School of Public Commu Pace University The following Somerset County students received degrees at Pace University's 90th commencement ceremonies on May 20, 23 and 24 in Westchester County and New York City: Bachelor's Degree Candidates: Maria F. Banaria, North Plainfield and Peter Depetris, Warren Master's Degree Candidates (New York City): James Jude Byrnes, North Plainfield; Saundra Sue Sparks, Somerset section of Franklin. Princeton University Rainah A. Berlowitz, son of Mr. and Mrs.

A. Berlowitz of the Somerset section of Franklin, received a bachelor's degree in English from Princeton University during the school's 250th Commencement on June 3. Berlowitz was awarded in his sophomore year at Princeton "A Creative Writing Prize" for outstanding sophomore. He plans on attending Graduate School to attain his master's degree in Fine Arts. Rutgers University Michael D.

Burns received a bachelor's degree from Rutgers University this spring. He majored in Film and Television production and minored in music. He is a 1992 graduate of North Plainfield High School. His parents are Denis and Gerry Burns of North Plainfield. Smith College Amy Renee Smith, daughter of Dr.

and Mrs. Neil Smith of Green Brook, received a bachelor of arts degree from Smith College in Northampton, on May 18. She was one of 740 seniors who graduated during the col research, in addition to receiving military and professional degrees. During his four years at the Academy, Mahoney received the David A. Hoffman, Commandment, and USCGA Alumni awards for the "cadet with the highest academic standing in his class." He also received awards for Physics I II, the Dimick award for the highest proficiency in Mathematics and the John Era Hewitt writing award.

Mahoney also was Company Commander and graduated as the Regimental Commander, the highest military rank at the Academy. He was captain of the golf Ensign Mahoney is a 1993 graduate of Bridgewater-Raritan high school. He will be stationed in San Francisco, aboard the buoy tender, Buttonwood. Ursinus College Stacey A. Petersen graduated from Ursinus College in Collegeville, with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in business administration and finance during commencement exercises on May 17.

A total of 358 students graduated with the class. While studying at Ursinus, she was named to the Dean's Honor List. She was a resident and orientation assistant, an admissions tour guide and a member of the Meistersingers, select vocal ensemble. She volunteered at the Montgomery County Geriatric Center. With classmate Karen Smith, she presented research, "Predictors of Sense of Well Being Among the Elderly," at the 10th annual Undergraduate Research Conference of the Delaware Valley Psychology Association, held at Beaver College in April.

Washington University Phyllis Chen, daughter of Dolly and Dr. John K. Chen of Bridgewater, recently graduated from Washington University in St. Louis. Chen received a bachelor's degree in business administration with majors in business, economic and law and human resource management during the university's commencement ceremonies on May 16.

College graduates Bates College Five area students were among 472 graduates to receive bachelor's degrees May 26 from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, during the college's 131st commencement UJ Emily S. Miller, of Belle Mead, received a bachelor's degree in art. A list student, she is a graduate of Princeton Day School and the daughter of Frank and Catherine Miller of Belle Mead. Justin W. Andrns, of Bernardsville, received a bachelor's degree in English.

He was a board member of WRBC, the college radio station, and served as general manager of the station for two years. A graduate of Dublin School in Dublin, N.H.; Andrus is the son of Roger L' Andrus and Stephanie MacCormick of 'Short Hills. Lara A. Cartwright-Smith, of Bound Brook (and formerly of Fair-born, Ohio), graduated cum laude 1 with a bachelor's degree in philoso-' phy'and a secondary concentration in French. A dean's list student, she spent Short Term 1994 and her junior year studying in France.

She was a member of the college choir and the Bates chamber singers. She will attend Georgetown University Law Center in the fall. A graduate of Fair- born High School, Cartwright-Smith is the daughter of Jeffrey and Mary of Bound Brook, t-n, Jeremy A. Villano, of Bridge wa-tter, graduated with a bachelor's -degree in rhetoric with honors. A dean's list student, he participat- ed in the Career Discovery Internship Program, the Leadership Academy -and the Goals 2005 committee, and was a documentary film producer, Web page designer and Convener of public debate.

He won the Clair E. Turner Award in 1996 for forensic ability and integrity in debate, conducted sum- research with Robert Branham, professor of rhetoric, and was a computer technician for the campus The Bates Student. A graduate of Bridgewater-Raritan High School, Villano is the son of James and Brenda Villano of Bridge-water. Allison E. Gillen, of Warren, graduated cum laude with a bachelor's degree in the interdisciplinary major of environmental studies and was nominated to membership in the Southern Maine Club of Sigma Si, '-which recognizes excellence in scientific research.

A dean's list student, she participated in the environmental coalition and Women's Action Coalition, was a board member and the music director" of WRBC, the college radio station, and spent her junior year aboard in Bolivia. A graduate of Watchung Hills High School, Gillen is the daughter of John and Constance Gillen of Warren. Boston University Boston University awarded academic degrees to six Somerset County residents during graduation ceremonies this spring: 4i David J. Hopper, of South Bound Brook, received a bachelor's degree in psychology, cum laude. Jodi E.

Krumholz, of Warren, received a bachelor's degree in English. Laura L. Kapturoski, of Bridge-water, received a bachelor's degree in psychology, summa cum laude. Jocelyne R. Matias, of Somerville, received a bachelor's degree in biology, cum laude.

Meredith A. McHale, of Bernardsville, received a bachelor's degree in communication. ta High School in Somerville. His undergraduate activities at Boston College included executive vice president of Undergraduate Government, and an internship in Governor William Welds press office. Dowden was a Boston College Dean's scholar and Rhodes' Scholar nominee.

He is also the recipient of the following awards: Phi Beta Kappa, Marshal of the Cross and Crown Honor Society, Francis A. Brickman Award for Character, Loyalty, Leadership and Scholarship, Student Development Award for Leadership and Service to the University, Golden Key National Honor Society. Dowden will attend Boston College Law School in the fall. Brown University Laura Jean Kline, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.

Charles J. Kline of Manville, received a bachelor's degree from Brown University in Providence, R.I., at the school's 229th Commencement May 26, 1997. Kline completed a concentration in Engineering and earned special academic honors. She graduated as a member of the Sigma Xi honorary society. Bucknell University Bucknell University in Lewisburg, conferred 766 bachelor's degrees and 57 master's degrees during commencement ceremonies May 24.

Degrees were awarded for studies in liberal arts and professional programs in engineering, management and education. The following Somerset County residents were among the graduates: Donna L. Ferruggia, of Watchung, daughter of Gary and Catherine Feruggia, bachelor's degree in accounting. Cynthia L. Stake, of the Basking Ridge section of Bernards, daughter of William and Carolyn Stake, bachelor's degree in math.

Lara N. Spingler, of Watchung, daughter of Frederick and Ellen Spingler, bachelor's degree in animal behavior. Allison L. Marek, of Belle Mead, daughter of Anton and Carolyn Marek, bachelor's degree in biology. Douglas R.

Waage, of Bridgewater, son of Curtis and Phyllis Waage, bachelor's degree in engineering-electrical. Matthew J. Maccia, of Green Brook, son of Clement and Barbara Maccia, bachelor's degree in English. Joseph C. Zielinskie, of the Basking Ridge section of Bernards, son of Joseph and Sandra Zielinskie, bachelor's degree in engineering-civil.

Douglas R. Dixon, of Bernardsville, son of Richard and Rosina Dixon, bachelor's degree in physics. Elizabeth A. Slagus, of North Plainfield, daughter of Peter and Barbara Slagus, bachelor's degree in animal behavior. Eric J.

Stewart, of Neshanic Station, son of Roger and Linda Stewart, childhood education and completed a minor program in music. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Erik G. Pettersen of the Basking Ridge section of Bernards.

She is a nication. Ronca, a dean's list student, re-ceived a National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences award for Best Public Service Announcement and Best Graphics. Her senior lege 119th commencement exercises. A 1994 graduate of Rutgers Preparatory School in Franklin, Smith majored in Religion and Biblical Literature with a J' 'V ft -MM. thesis, "Bender" a 40-minute narrative film which she produced, was featured at the weekend graduation presentations.

While at Syracuse University, she was vice president of the Alpha Chapter of Alpha Phi International Fraternity, was casting director for an episode of "Coach" when Alan Rafkin, "Coach" director, came to Syracuse to produce this segment, and interned on WABC-TV's "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee." Ronca, a 1993 graduate of Bridgewater-Raritan High School, is the daughter of Barbara and Thomas R. Ronca of Bridgewater. Student Achievers appears regularly in Strictly Somerset. To have your item included, submit it to: In Our Schools, The Courier-News Features Department, P.O. Box 6600, Bridgewater, N.J.

08807. Or fax us at (908) 707-3113. More academic achievers on Page 9 1993 graduate of Ridge High School. She was a member of the Concert Choir, Chorale, and In-Sync. Dana M.

Whalen, who majored in occupational therapy and completed a minor program in child psychology. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John T. Whalen of the Basking Ridge section of Bernards.

She is a 1993 graduate of Ridge High School. Guilford College A Somerset County resident at Guilford College in Greensboro, N.C., was among the 280 undergraduates who received their bachelor's degrees during the college's 160th commencement ceremony this spring. Sarah Walls, of Somerville. Walls, a 1993 graduate of James Madison High School, received a bachelor's degree in Religious Studies. Walls is the daughter of James and Barbara Walls of Somerville.

Muhlenberg College Local residents were among more than 400 students to receive bachelor's degrees at the 149th Commencement exercises of Muhlenberg minor in Jewish studies. Her undergraduate activities included interning in the office of Admission and serving as an academic advisor to new students. Southwest Missouri State Southwest Missouri State University conferred degrees to 1,477 students this spring during two commencement ceremonies at the school in Springfield, Mo. Among the graduates was Julie C. Sigg, of Belle Mead, who received a bachelor of science degree.

Susquehanna University Dana Pfeil of Princeton earned a bachelor's degree in psychology with a speech communication minor as Susquehanna University closed its 139th academic year with its annual Join our Delivery Team JIWEXTRAI EXTRAI CALL TODAY 1-800-675-8645 AUTO flIP. if cfnLmat cfthaatLon AUTO AIR HI Ken Andrew Theresa Lemelin Frank Blair Ed Rogers Norm Randolph Jeff Healey Theresa Lemelin Ted Meadowcroft Jeff Marcoux FlemingtonNeshanic Hillsborough Manville FranklinPiscataway PlainfieldWatchung S.PlainfieldScotch Plains BloomsburyMilford BranchburgSomerville Bridgewater Basking Ridge Berkely Hts.Warren CONDITIONING SERVICE 7)17918 with thin ad DOWNTOWN SOMERVILLE PERFORMANCE TEST CANINE OR FELINE, WE'LL MAKE YOUR PET THE TALK OF THE TOWN! REGULAR LESS COUPON WITH COUPON $59.95 $10.00 $49.93 i AIR CONDITION PERFORMANCE TEST. Lok Teil Component Conmclloni Check All Driv Belli A Hotel Till Healing Cooling Syilemi Valid At Time 01 Piifchaw Onty Mny Not Bm Combined With Other Often gg TheCoufief-Neujs Iff 1 1 IL I .1 -J 685-2229 4 DIVISION STREET, SOMERVILLE ROUTI 26 EAST 1 BLOCK OFF CIRCLI HEADING, TOWARDS I0MERVILLI 725-3244 HOURIl TilO'liOO IAT. TIL 4PM NI0HTTIRI tinVICI MON THUfll TIL IPM 3 Reliable Vehicle Needed Early Morning Hours f. I..