•Rachel Aldan was named to the dean’s list at the University of South Carolina.

This is the third straight semester Aldan has earned dean’s list honors. She has maintained a grade point average of 3.77 while completing 16 credited semester hours.

She is working toward a degree in business with a minor in computer graphic arts.

As a Capstone Scholar, Aldan was chosen during the past school year to be a lab instructor in the astronomy department, a position normally not achieved by a sophomore.

She has been accepted into the university’s global community for the 2009-10 fall semester.

Aldan will be partnering with an international exchange student. Her duties will be to assist that student in social and academic affairs.

She is a daughter of Traean and Judy Aldan of New Castle and granddaughter of Dorothy Aldan of New Wilmington.

•Emily Barnes graduated from New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.

Barnes received a master of public administration/public and nonprofit management and policy degree.

A resident of New York City, she holds the position of communications and special events manager of the Allen-Stevenson School.

Barnes is a 2000 graduate of Neshannock High School and received a bachelor of arts degree in journalism from Penn State University.

She is a daughter of Marlene Myers and Daniel Barnes.

•Blaire Patrick has accepted a summer internship with U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire in his Aliquippa office.

Patrick, a 2006 graduate of Neshannock High School, will begin her senior year at Penn State in the fall. She is majoring in political science and history.