Best & Brightest

• Cadet David Courtenay Harris, son of David and Michelle Harris of Arlington Heights, graduated May 26 from the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. Harris is a 2003 graduate of St. Viator High School.

He concentrated his studies in management and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army upon graduation. Harris has branched Air Defense Artillery and will complete Officer Basic Course at Ft. Bliss, Texas.

The mission of the academy is to educate, train and inspire the Corps of Cadets so each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country; professional growth throughout a career as an officer in the United States Army; and a lifetime of selfless service to the nation.

• Kerry Brennan of Arlington Heights graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in elementary education (teaching) after the spring 2007 semester at Winona State University in Minnesota.

• Erik Sundberg of Arlington Heights graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in global studies after the spring 2007 semester at Winona State University in Minnesota.

• Rachel Kauff, daughter of Anne and Dan Kauff of Arlington Heights, was named a recipient of a Presidential Scholarship to Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Mich. Kauff is a graduate of John Hersey High School.

To be eligible for a Presidential Scholarship the recipient must have a 3.8 high school grade point average, minimum ACT score of 32, and attend a scholarship competition. The award is renewable for three additional years with a minimum of a 3.5 GPA or better.

• Kathleen W. Weber, daughter of Stephen and Charlotte Weber of Arlington Heights, was named to the Merit List for the second semester of the 2006-07 academic year at Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio. To be eligible, students must earn at least 3.45 on a 4-point grading scale. Weber, a graduate of Prospect High School, is a sophomore.

• Emilie Hirt of Arlington Heights made the 2007 spring semester dean's list at Gannon University, Erie, Pa., for achieving a grade point average of 3.5 or better.

Alexandra Michelle Kruzel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell J. Kruzel of Arlington Heights graduated cum laude May 11 with a bachelor of arts degree from the College of Arts and Sciences at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn. Kruzel majored in art studio and English.