Laurel residents earn degrees, college honors

Grace Ashu, a resident of Laurel, earned an Associate in Applied Science in nursing from Excelsior College in Albany, N.Y.

Khushbu Patel, of Laurel, received a Doctor of Physical Therapy in physical therapy from Boston University.

Almaz Abraham, of Laurel, is the recipient of the 2011 Morgan-Keller GNA Scholarship to further her education as a geriatric nurse assistant. She has been employed since 2005 with Morningside House of Laurel, an assisted living and Alzheimer's care facility.

Jeffrey Kirkpatrick ,of Laurel, is among more than 180 students recently honored as University Scholars at Susquehanna University. To be named a University Scholar, students must have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 in full-time study for the past two semesters or equivalent credit hours of part-time study. Kirkpatrick, a 2008 graduate of Reservoir High School, is a senior majoring in music education at Susquehanna and the son of Thomas and Sharon Kirkpatrick.