Dr. Patricia Stoker, of Columbia, received the Orkos Award for demonstrating professional excellence in her case study report of a patient receiving treatment for gum disease. Dr. Stoker's patient suffered from severe gum disease, complicated by a relentless gagging reflex.

Tom Burtzlaff, owner of CMIT Solutions of Columbia, has been named the winner of the 2011 All-Star Award at CMIT Solutions' company convention in early-May. Presented to the CMIT Solutions franchisee who best demonstrates the company's core beliefs, the All-Star Award honors Burtzlaff for his commitment to growing his business.

Rachel Filderman and William Plowe, both of Columbia, have been inducted in the McDonogh School's chapter of the Cum Laude Society, a national honor society recognizing academic achievement.

Ryan Konstanzer, of Reservoir High School, and Erin Geoghan, of River Hill High School, are the 2011 recipients of the Aronson/Willis Memorial Award. Each student was awarded a $2,000 scholarship and a certificate from the HCGH Professional Staff. Both were chosen for maintaining the highest grade point average while participating in at least two varsity sports. Each year, one graduating male and one graduating female are chosen to receive the award.

Derek Altema, a senior at Oakland Mills High School, has been honored as a Nielsen Scholar and will receive a $2,500 scholarship award and a netbook computer.