Two Somerset County Students Recognized With Frostburg State University Honors

2014 Jun 9

Two local students were among the graduate and undergraduate students recognized at Frostburg State University's Honors Convocation in May.

Joanna Nieves of Confluence, who received graduate program honors in interdisciplinary studies, earned her bachelor's in 2006 from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. As a dedicated high school English teacher at Turkeyfoot Valley Area School District, she plans to continue teaching after graduation and hopes to eventually teach at the college level. Among her many talents and contributions, Nieves was a presenter for the Zest for Tech summer program in the Turkeyfoot Valley Area School District for 2012 and 2014. In addition to her educational accomplishments, she is the mother of a 5-year-old daughter. A graduate of Shade School District in Central City, she is the daughter of Jacqueline Nieves of Confluence and the late Juan Nieves.

Haley Schott of Salisbury, who received departmental honors in theatre, performed in eight productions at FSU, including the title roles in "Peter Pan," "Psycho Beach Party" and "Barefoot in the Park," for which she received the prestigious Irene Ryan Acting nomination from the Kennedy Center's American College Theatre Festival. In addition to dramaturgical research on "Bach at Leipzig," Schott donated countless hours to the Costume and Scene Shop and created makeup designs for three productions, including the fairies in "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Last summer she was hired as the wig and makeup intern for the Opera Theater of Pittsburgh. After graduation, she plans to pursue acting professionally. A graduate of Meyersdale Area High School in Meyersdale, Schott is the daughter of Eve and Chris Schott of Salisbury.