On Sunday, March 8, a luncheon was held to honor Elizabethtown College’s 2015 Emergent Scholars. The 54 sophomores and their chosen mentors spent time celebrating their accomplishments and appreciating the high standard of academics they have been able to attain as members of the Etown community.

To be an Emergent Scholar, a student must maintain at least a 3.75 cumulative GPA for his or her first three semesters on campus. The sophomores invited to the luncheon all successfully maintained this academic requirement while balancing various volunteer and leadership positions.

The catered event took place in the Koons Activity Venue. Dr. Susan Traverso, provost and senior vice president of the College, and Rev. Tracy Wenger Sadd, chaplain and director of religious life, welcomed the crowd and led the invocation, respectively. After enjoying their meal, attendees listened to guest speaker President Carl Strikwerda, who gave a speech entitled “Supersonic Idiots and Sophisticated Sleuths.”

Dean of Faculty Dr. E. Fletcher McClellan then presented certificates to the Scholars and their mentors with Traverso, who also delivered the closing remarks.

The annual event marks some of the most motivated community members. This year’s attendees very greatly appreciated the recognition. “The luncheon was a wonderful way to celebrate one another’s accomplishments,” Sarah Fuller, sophomore early childhood and special education major, said. “We [were] so grateful for the opportunity to celebrate with our mentors, families and peers.” Madison McCall, sophomore international business major, said that “sharing lunch with [her] professors, mentors, and parents was eye-opening.”

Sophomore secondary education major Nathaniel Andes agreed that it was quite an honor to be acknowledged as a successful member of the Etown student body. “I am proud to be an Emergent Scholar,” he said.

“It made all of our hard work, long studying hours and dedication worth it,” sophomore occupational therapy major Jennifer Newman said.

Traverso was especially proud of the students’ accomplishments. “The Emergent Scholars are a group of wonderfully bright and creative students. We believe they have great potential to excel at Etown,” she said. “There is no doubt they will make important contributions at the College and go on to fruitful lives and exceptional careers.”