Amanda Lathem of Gainesville recently graduated summa cum laude from Young Harris College in Young Harris. She is the daughter of Deborah and Charlie Lathem of Gainesville.

Hannah Westmoreland, daughter of Herman and Vickie Westmoreland of Gainesville, received first honor graduation distinctions at the Aug. 2 commencement at the University of Georgia in Athens. To achieve this honor, students must maintain a 4.0 grade-point average throughout their undergraduate studies. The students graduated summa cum laude and ranked in the top 1 percent of the 760-member graduating class.

The following local students recently graduated from Piedmont College in Demorest:

• From Flowery Branch: Maria Arenas, Jane Coley, Julie Forbes, Misty Freeman, Tammy Herrin, Beverly Jetton and Audra Sturgill.
• From Gainesville: Kimberly Allen, Susan Beard, Will Begnaud, Anita Blanchard, Connie Bramblett, Carolyn Brinson, Leah Carver, Charles Cochran, Rachel Conner, Vicki Dougherty, Kristy Grizzle, Teresa Haymore, Kristy Hene, Amanda Kemp, Cynthia Reese, Lori Pirkle Roberts, Amanda Ruis, Cheryl Satterfield, Cheryl Smith, Katherine Smith, Kathryn Strayhorn, Jessica Sturm, Michele Taylor, Laura Wingo and Ginger Workman.
• Fom Lula: L. Sheree Hicks and Jeremy Pirkle.
• From Murrayville: Brooke Smith.
• From Oakwood: Ann Brunk and Rebecca Scroggs.

Hillary Harper, a student at North Hall High School, won first place in the international competition in Fashion Promotion Plan in the recent 62nd annual International Career Development Conference, sponsored by DECA, an association of marketing students.

Joli Miranda Caudell of Mount Airy was recently named as a United States National Honor Student Award winner. She attends South Habersham Middle School and is the daughter of Steven and Karla Caudell.