Camden native Cassandra Smith receives award upon graduation from Whitman College

WALLA WALLA, WA (06/05/2013)(readMedia)-- Cassandra Smith of Camden, N.Y. was honored with an award upon her graduation from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash.

Smith was selected as a recipient of the Albert Ripley Leeds Prize for Excellence in Geology, which was established to recognize students with outstanding potential in the study of geological sciences.

She was also elected as a new member of the Whitman chapter national research society Sigma Xi. This honor is given to students who have completed original research in either the pure or applied sciences. Whitman's Sigma Xi chapter was established in 1962.

Smith is the daughter of Rodney and Glynis Smith and a 2009 graduate of Camden High School. She received a B.A. in Geology and a minor in anthropology during the Whitman commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 19.

Whitman College is an independent, non-sectarian residential college fostering intellectual vitality, confidence and leadership in its 1,450 students. Also noted for its commitment to environmental principles, Whitman is characterized by intellect, down-to-earth sensibilities, collaboration over competition and an active lifestyle.