Emilee Ann Smith, a North Hall High School graduate, recently was awarded the Jostens National Renaissance Student Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to one student throughout the United States and is initially worth $2,500 with a renewable option of up to $10,000 within a four-year period. Smith also will receive an Apple iBook computer as part of the award.

Friendship Elementary recently inducted 33 fifth-grade students into the school's first Junior Beta Club. Dani Taylor, an eighth-grader at C.W. Davis Middle School, and Phillip Correa, a student at Friendship Elementary, spoke at the induction ceremony. The two also are members of the Junior Beta Club.

Amanda Newton of Gainesville, a student at Kennesaw State University School of Music, has been designated as the University System of Georgia Outstanding Scholar, or Regents Scholar, for Kennesaw State in Kennesaw. Newton is double majoring in vocal performance and music education.

Four Hall County students were named to the dean's list at Truett-McConnell College in Cleveland for the spring semester. They include Marjorie Grindle and Lana Palmer, both of Gainesville, and Trey Ivey and Adrienne Woods, both of Flowery Branch.