Sophie Mercer, a forensic science student from Santa Clarita, has secured a place in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's University Honors Program. This competitive program has selected 739 students this year, a significant increase from the previous record set in 2019.

To gain admission, students must demonstrate excellence both academically and as leaders in their communities. Tamy Burnett, the program's director, highlighted that these students have proven their ability to excel in and out of the classroom. Sophie and her peers are poised to make a lasting impact at the university.

Local Students Recognized by Southern New Hampshire University

Several local students have been honored by Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) for their academic achievements. These students earned spots on either the president's list or the dean's list for the summer 2025 term.

• President's List: Requires a GPA of 3.7 or higher.
• Dean's List: Requires a GPA between 3.500 and 3.699.

SNHU, known for its diverse programs both online and on campus, has over 200,000 students worldwide. These local students are part of SNHU's growing success story.

Piper Lief Honored at Hofstra University's Pinning Ceremony

Piper Lief from Valencia was celebrated at Hofstra University's pinning ceremony, a significant milestone for nursing students. This event marks their transition from the classroom to real-world clinical practice.

Hofstra's nursing program is renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities, including simulation labs and operating rooms. Piper is now one step closer to becoming a nurse, thanks to this esteemed program.