Graduates summa cum laude from Susquehanna Univ.

Erika M. Barron, daughter of Duane and Michelle Barron of Tamaqua, graduated summa cum laude from Susquehanna University with a bachelor of arts degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education with a minor in Business. Commencement exercises were held May 15 as the university closed its 153 academic school year.

A 2007 graduate of Tamaqua Area High School, Barron participated in numerous activities while at Susquehanna, including the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, treasurer of the Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society, SAAC, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the After School Buddy Study program and several community service projects. A four year varsity letter winner on the women's basketball team, she received the scholar-athlete award for being the member of the women's basketball team with the highest grade point average. Barron also participated on the track and field team for two years and achieved dean's list status for all eight semesters.

Her brother, Jerome, is entering his second year of medical school at LECOM.