The following area students graduated from Brevard College in Brevard, N.C. during its 158th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 14.

— Derek Sean Church of Franklin earned a bachelor's degree in Business and Organizational Leadership.

— Gregory Chase Henry of Franklin earned a bachelor's degree in Psychology.

Western Carolina University held spring commencement exercises for graduate students on May 6, at the Ramsey Center.

Elizabeth (Lisa) Stark Younce graduated with a doctoral degree in educational leadership. The title of her dissertation was, "Middle School Teacher Attitudes toward the Achievement of English Language Learners."

To complete her dissertation, data were gathered from surveying middle school language arts teachers across the state of North Carolina.

All 13 public schools in Macon County came together to present the second annual student art exhibit, “Keep Your Eye on the Arts,” May 29 at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts.

About 350 students, K-12 grades, participated in the exhibit and the simultaneous “Empty Bowls” project on the sidewalk of the Fun Factory. Each student who had their art displayed received a medal.

Naomi Albee, organizer of the art exhibit, said that the event “was all about the kids. Art is a form of visual communication where kids can express themselves visually, so it is a form of self-expression that does not usually get enough attention.”

Elise Bacon has graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music with concentration in Music Ministry/Church Music from Bryan College in Dayton, Tenn., on Saturday, May 7.

She was also named Chamber Singer of the Year during Honors Day chapel services on April 27.

Bacon is a 2007 graduate of Franklin High School, and is the daughter of Barry and Karen Bacon of Franklin.