Each year, Sweet Briar College gives special recognition to several graduating students through its all-college awards. The following recipients were honored during commencement exercises on Saturday, May 10.

• The Penelope Czarra Award was established by Edgar F. Czarra Jr., father of Penelope Lane Czarra of the Class of 1975. The award honors the senior or seniors who best combine scholastic achievement, student leadership and effective contributions to the improvement of the quality of student life at Sweet Briar. This year’s recipients are Margaret Elizabeth Barnes and Anne Marie Lojek.


• The family of Professor Judith Molinar Elkins established a prize in her name to recognize the outstanding achievements of seniors majoring in the mathematical, physical or biological sciences, actively participating in the college community, and demonstrating the ideals and dedication to learning exemplified by the life of Professor Elkins. The recipient of this prize from the Class of 2008 is Elizabeth Ashley Anderson.


• In honor of Dr. Connie M. Guion, Mr. and Mr. J. Wilson Newman and their daughters, Clair Newman Blanchard, Class of 1960, and Mildred Newman Thayer, Class of 1961, established an award given to members of the graduating class for excellence as human beings and as members of the College. The 2008 recipient of the Connie M. Guion Award is Theron Diana McLeod.


• The Walker Family Award honors a senior with high scholastic standing, a cheerful, positive disposition, and who shows warmth, generosity and humility. The recipients for the Class of 2008 are Jennifer Paige Milby and Kristin Marie Chapdelaine.


• Each year, the College recognizes academic achievement by conferring upon the highest ranking member of each class the honorary title of Emily Watts McVea Scholar. The recipient for the Class of 2008 is Mary Spears Dance.