Bluffton University recognized many of its top students for their academic achievements at the annual Academic Awards and Honors Forum on April 27.

The program began with the introduction of 31 seniors as distinguished scholars in their respective academic areas. In addition to being the Distinguished Scholar in Early Childhood Education, Sarah Binkley of Bluffton was named Athlete with Highest Scholastic Record.

Nadin-Sarah Salki, a native of Bosnia, was the International Student with Highest Scholastic Record.

Graduating seniors recognized for completion of the Honors Program were Jason Frey of Schuylkill Haven, Pa.; Timothy Geiser of Apple Creek, Ohio; Debra Hoy of Findlay, Ohio; Courtney Karnes of Hicksville, Ohio; Yelena Shekochikhin of Bluffton; Kristen Shelly of Penfield, N.Y.; Ben Siebert and Kelsey Smith, both of Celina, Ohio; and Judah Weinhardt of Peoria, Ariz.

Weinhardt was also among four seniors receiving departmental honors for independent-study projects in their respective disciplines. He was cited for his religion-department project, ~Ac^a'notA"John 17: Oneness and Separateness as Gospel in a World of Alienation.~Ac^a'not^A