For the first time in its long history, the University of Vermont paused Wednesday to specifically honor dozens of its best and brightest faculty members in a colorful ceremony for endowed chairs and professors.

“Assembled here in this beautiful Ira Allen Chapel today are some of the finest intellects, the most talented teachers, and most gifted scholars among a faculty who in total make up an extraordinary and outstanding academic community,’’ UVM president Tom Sullivan told the honorees and guests.

The Vermont Principals’ Association will honor seven distinguished educational leaders at the VPA Leadership Academy awards banquet on August 5th at Killington’s Grand Hotel. Nominated by their peers and from the public at large, each of the seven principals listed below was selected recently by a committee of the VPA Executive Council and past award winners for outstanding building and educational leadership. Mr. William Olsen, Principal of Rutland High School, Mr. Steve Cone of Riverside Middle School in Springfield and Mr.

University of Vermont students Katelyn Stoner ’16 and Claire Wiggin ’16 have received Honorable Mention recognition in the 2014 Udall Scholarship competition. Named for former Congressman Morris K. Udall and Interior Secretary Stewart L. Udall, the Udall Scholarship is the preeminent undergraduate award given out by the Udall Foundation. Established by Congress in 1992, the foundation seeks to support scholarship and excellence as it relates to national environmental and Native American policy.

Vermont students were challenged this school year to learn how to make thoughtful decisions regarding their money. Today, State Treasurer Beth Pearce recognized student accomplishments in the Reading is an Investment program and the Be Money Wise financial literacy poster contest at a noon ceremony in Montpelier. Both statewide programs are directed by the State Treasurer’s Office.