Two Wooster Residents Named Ashland University Valedictorians

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ASHLAND, OH (05/15/2013)(readMedia)-- Jared Baisden and Angela Ellis, both of Wooster, were named two of the three valedictorians at Ashland University's spring commencement ceremony held on May 11.

Baisden and Ellis, and the third valedictorian, Holly James of Strongsville, all achieved perfect 4.00 grade point averages.

Baisden received a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Biochemistry degree with Summa Cum Laude Honors. Baisden, who is the son of James and Elaine Baisden, is a 2009 graduate of Wooster High School, where he participated in marching band and concert band as well as track and field, cross country, and ultimate Frisbee while taking advanced placement courses in history, biology and calculus.

He is vice president of the AU chapter of Beta Beta Beta Biological Honors Society and completed an Honors capstone project on "Isolation and Characterization of a Suspected Phytoalexin from Acer Rubrum L." He plans to continue to pursue a research career in biochemistry.

Ellis received a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Physical Education with Summa Cum Laude honors. Ellis is the daughter of Michael and Christine Ellis and is a 1995 graduate of Triway High School, where she was valedictorian of her class. She interrupted her college career and worked at Wooster Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center for 14 years.

After deciding to complete a degree, she explored a number of possible careers before she decided to follow her heart and become a teacher. She is looking forward to teaching in an elementary school.

Ashland University, ranked in the top 200 colleges and universities in U.S. News and World Report's National Universities category for 2013, is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong, applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.