Ridgefield Residents at Wesleyan University Honored with Academic Scholarships, Fellowships, Prizes

Students from Ridgefield attending Wesleyan University were honored at a reception May 9 with academic scholarships, fellowships, and prizes. Congratulations to Emma Raddatz, Mackenzie Mitchell, and Seamus Edson!

Emma Raddatz was awarded the Geraldine J. Murphy Prize for an outstanding critical essay that focuses on short fiction or novels. Emma formerly attended Choate Rosemary Hall.

Mackenzie Mitchell was awarded the Dr. Neil Clendeninn Prize, which is given to the African American student who has achieved academic excellence in biology and/or molecular biology and biochemistry, and exemplifies those qualities of character, leadership, and concern for the Wesleyan community as shown by Dr. Neil Clendeninn, Class of 1971. Mackenzie formerly attended Immaculate High School.

Seamus Edson was awarded the Jessup Prize for talent and promise in sculpture, printmaking, architecture, photography, painting, or drawing. Seamus formerly attended Ridgefield High School.

Wesleyan's awards, prizes, and scholarships program connects recipients to the legacies of alumni, administrators, faculty, and friends of the university whose lives and work are honored through endowed gifts. Recipients of the academic scholarships, fellowships, and prizes represent the highest ideals of Wesleyan--intellectual curiosity, academic excellence, creative expressoin, leadership, and service.

Wesleyan University is a private, non-sectarian liberal arts university in Middletown, Conn. Founded in 1831, Wesleyan offers its 3,000 undergraduates and 200 graduate students a demanding educational environment characterized by boldness, rigor and practical idealism. At Wesleyan, distinguished scholar-teachers work closely with students in more than 45 fields of study. The university seeks to build a diverse, energetic community of students, faculty and staff who think critically and creatively and value independence of mind and the generosity of spirit. Located two hours from both New York and Boston, the campus overlooks downtown Middletown and the Connecticut River. For more information, visit www.wesleyan.edu.