Hillsborough resident Kristen Shaw graduated summa cum laude from West Chester (Pa.) University with a degree in elementary education, a minor in special education and is state-certified to teach middle school math.
She was a member of Kappa Delta Pi, the international honor society in education. Kristen was also an ambassador for the university and a member of the Council for Exceptional Children.
Donald Robert Mangan of Hillsborough graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in special education from West Chester University, Pa..
Don is the son of Karen Shampanore of Hillsborough and Thomas Mangan of Branchburg.
Lauren Singer graduated magna cum laude from Rutgers University on Sunday, May 15, receiving a bachelor of arts in labor studies with a double minor in human resources and economics.
While at Rutgers she made the Dean’s List and served as president of the Ultimate Frisbee Club.
Lauren was a 2007 Hillsborough High School graduate. She will be working as a human capital analyst for Mercer Consulting.
Brianna Eckhard of Hillsborough graduated magna cum laude from Rider University in Lawrenceville on May 13 with a bachelor’s degree majoring in elementary education and psychology, minoring in special education and receiving a certificate in technology.
Brianna is a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, the national leadership honor society, and Kappa Delta Pi, the national education honor society, as well as Alpha Xi Delta women’s fraternity.
Graduating with a 3.6 GPA she consistently made the Dean’s List throughout her four years while participating in several clubs and fundraisers Council for Exceptional Children, Student Education Association, Autism Speaks Walk, Relay for Life and Walk Like MADD.
Brianna currently is the secretary for the Hillsborough Optimist Club, a non-profit national organization dedicated to helping children and families in need, and is also the owner of “Stress Less Parties,” where she helps assist, organize and run home parties.
She is the daughter of Richard and MaryJo Eckhard of Hillsborough.
Matthew Vincent Persico of Hillsborough graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in English and secondary education from The College of New Jersey on May 13.
He recently received the 2011 P.C. Somerville Award for Outstanding Future Teacher of English award. He is pursuing a master’s degree in English at Columbia University in New York City.
His parents are Judy and Michael Persico.
Joel Brissett of Hillsborough graduated from Hampton (Va.) University during the 141st annual commencement ceremony held on May 8 at Armstrong Stadium. Actor/comedian Bill Cosby was the commencement speaker.
Hampton University, a is a privately endowed, non-profit, non-sectarian, co-educational, historically black university.

