Faith Christian School, located on North Cranberry Road, Westminster, recently announced its graduating seniors in the Class of 2011.

New graduates are Thomas Diffendal, Jacob Marble and Ryan Mauler.

On June 4, the following local students were awarded a master of arts in teaching degree from St. Mary's College of Maryland:

Lindsay Myers, of Mount Airy, was certified in secondary English, and completed a master's project entitled, "Motivating the reluctant learner."

Samuel Sheppard, of Westminster, was certified in secondary social studies, and completed a master's project on graduation rates.

Samantha Bare of Westminster was a member of the Class of 2011 and graduated this month from Wingate University in Wingate, N.C. Bare earned a bachelor's degree.

Kristin Stitcher of Hampstead, a graduating senior at Gettysburg College, Pa., received the Nicholas Prize in Religious Studies at the College's Spring Honors Day ceremonies on May 21.

The following local students were named to the dean's list for the spring 2011 semester at Widener University in Chester, Pa.

• Eric Chrencik of Finksburg.

• Alexandra Held of Westminster.

• Sarah Starnes of Westminster.

• Megan Watkins of Westminster.

• Brian Wisner of Westminster.

Carrie Thomas of Westminster was named to the dean's list at the University of New Haven, in Connecticut, for the spring 2011 semester.

The following local residents were named to the dean's list at Thiel College, Greenville, Pa., for the spring 2011 semester:

• Brendan DuLaney, a senior and a resident of New Windsor. DuLaney has been on the list six times.

• Mathew Saur, a senior and a resident of Eldersburg. Saur has been on the list seven times.

Erin Yuhas of Westminster was awarded a degree from the University of Scranton (Pa.), during commencement on May 29, at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre.

Yuhas earned a bachelor's degree in counseling and human services from the University's Panuska College of Professional Studies.

The following local students were recently accepted into Kappa Delta Pi, the national education honor society at Salisbury University.

• Sarah Hellman, daughter of Marcia and Ken Hellman of Eldersburg, is a junior majoring elementary education. She is president of Delta Gamma, and is a 2008 graduate of Liberty High School.

• Carrie Sisk, daughter of Patrick and Rita Sisk of Sykesville, is a sophomore majoring history secondary education. She is a member of the Girls On Top of the World Club, and the Education Club and is a Relay For Life participant. She is a 2009 graduate of Century High School.

• Amanda Slaysman, daughter of Carrie and Steven Slaysman of Hampstead, is a senior majoring in elementary education. She is a 2007 graduate of North Carroll High School.

• Shannon Risner, daughter of Mike and Kelli Risner of Hampstead, is a senior majoring in early childhood education. A dean's list student, she is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and is a 2006 graduate of North Carroll High School

• Trisha Pingor, daughter of Richard and Donna Pingor of Hampstead, is a sophomore majoring in elementary education. She is a member of the Student Government Association, Bellavance Honors Program and Women's Soccer Club. She's also a dean's list student, and graduated from North Carroll High in 2009.

• Cassidey Bouis, daughter of Tim and Penny Bouis of Taneytown, is a junior majoring in elementary education. A dean's list student, she is a member of the Education Club, Outdoor Club, Relay For Life and Phi Eta Sigma, and is a 2009 graduate of Francis Scott Key High School in Union Bridge.