CANTON -- SUNY Canton recognized more than 200 students at its 2021 Honors Convocation celebration. The annual ceremony celebrates students who have the highest GPA for their class year in their major. Held virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions, college administrators honored students' accomplishments via a series of video addresses, which are all available online.

"It's no exaggeration to say your achievements are more impressive because you are able to persevere while facing an enormous hardship," said SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran. "It would have been easy to quit when the going got tough, but you didn't. You kept moving forward. Your persistence has undoubtably proved that you are ready for anything life throws at you."

SUNY Canton Provost Peggy A. De Cooke said she was in awe of students' ability to adapt to a completely new academic environment.

"On top of adjusting to virtual classes, online labs, video presentations, and conference calls, you've also had to do so in a changing social landscape," she said. "As you finish the semester and continue on your path, I hope you will remain aware of the challenges that our society is facing. Your professors have given you the ability to take what you've learned here and apply it to real-world problems. We have prepared you to be doers and that's a competency that companies and organizations will need desperately as we recover from the pandemic."

This year's ceremony was named to recognize Professor Emeritus Brian Washburn, who served the college for more than 40 years. De Cooke introduced Washburn by highlighting his demonstrated commitment to applied learning and real-world educational strategies in addition to his outstanding record as an educator.

Washburn encouraged students to continue their excellence and never stop striving for distinction as they move forward in their education and in their careers.

Area students Students honored include: from Canton: Jonah R. Black, Forensic Criminology; Emma M. Bortnick, Nursing; Kristine A. Furgison, Legal Studies, Joseph D. Mastro, Criminal Investigation; Jonathan C. Oakes, Graphic and Multimedia Design; Ian F. Tuthill, HVAC Trades; Peter A. Xanthaky, Electrical Engineering Technology; Patrick Dubuque, Agribusiness Management; and Bryan O'Hearon, Mechanical Engineering Technology, both from Chase Mills.

Ansen C. Weegar, Electrical Engineering Technology, Brasher Falls; Eric H. Alan, Nursing, Colton; Zach A. Denesha, Sports Management, DeKalb Junction; Cole Murray, Construction Technology: Management, Hannawa Falls; Rachel E. Bango, Individual Studies and Nursing, Harrisville; Megan Woodard, Finance, Heuvelton; and Lacey S. Peters, Nursing, Hogansburg. and.

From Gouverneur: Conagher Buckmaster, Engineering Science; Timothy P. Hillanbrand, Criminal Justice; Christian S. Kingsbury, Engineering Science; Joseph Love, Construction Technology: Management; Emily R. McGregor, Early Childhood Care & Management; Josh D. Miller, Computer Information Systems; Ty Reed, Criminal Justice; and Daniel S. Whitton, Mechatronics Technology.

From Lisbon: Paige M. Carbino, Nursing; Nathan A. Cota, HVAC Trades; Jillian R. O'Brien, Nursing; Donica M. Robinson, a Early Childhood Care & Management; and Nathan R. Spooner, Mechanical Engineering Technology.

Hannah M. Grant, Information Technology major from Madrid; Noah A. Felix, Physical Therapist Assistant, North Lawrence; Michael Lashomb, Sports Management, Norwood.

From Massena: Ian M. Frederick, Nursing; Kamren LeBire, Accounting; Marcella J. Perry, Nursing; Diane M. Shearer, Health Care Management; Abigail R. Shearer, Finance; and Carlena E. Wright, Nursing.

From Ogdensburg: Courtney E. Baker, Nursing; Bailey A. Benware, Nursing; Keeley Grizzuto, Accounting; Breanna M. Hacia, Physical Therapist Assistant; Heather L. Howe, Forensic Criminology; Jad M. Karroum, Civil & Environmental Engineering Technology; Jayden Kench, Information Technology; Jocelyne F. Lovely, Practical Nursing; Ruthanne M. Middlemiss, Nursing; Shane Moyer, Industrial Technology Management; Livia R. Shaver, Applied Psychology; and Callee L. Zulauf, Health & Fitness Promotion.

Brian Knowles, Technological Communications, Parishville; Kyle S. Chen, Game Design and Development, Raymondville; Darcel Downing, Graphic and Multimedia Design, Rensselaer Falls; Adam A. Szlamczynski, Homeland Security, Star Lake; and Dylan T. Bradley, Information Technology, West Stockholm,

From Potdsam: Charlotte Baldwin, Graphic and Multimedia Design; Alison E. Brant, Nursing; John J. Frick, Game Design and Development; Jessica Gilmour, Emergency Management; and Michael P. Remington, Electrical Engineering.

From Winthrop: Joshua F. D'Souza, Information Technology; Erik D. Hull, Electrical Engineering Technology; and Hannah E. White, Applied Psychology.