For the very first time in its history, Mars Hill College conferred graduate degrees on 12 of the 152 students who graduated Saturday morning, May 11, in Moore Auditorium.

The 12 individuals who made up the first cohort of graduate students at Mars Hill College received the degree of master of education (M.Ed.) in elementary education. Another 140 students received baccalaureate degrees, with the top three majors being business, social work and education.

Those students included: Zachary Adam High of Columbus

Mars Hill College is a private, liberal arts institution offering over 30 baccalaureate degrees and one graduate degree in elementary education.

Founded in 1856 by Baptist families of the region, the campus is located just 20 minutes north of Asheville in the mountains of western North Carolina. Info: www.mhc.edu or 1-866-MHC-4-YOU.

– article submitted by Teresa Buckner