Several area schools received new books thanks to the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation.

The following programs received donated books from the SMIF BookStart program:

—Blooming Prairie Elementary—Awesome Blossom Early Readers

—Riverland Community College, Austin—“Young Student Support through literacy”

—Southland Early Childhood—“Adam’s Got Books?”

More than 10,000 books in total were given away throughout the region.

GRADUATIONS

—Sara Bloom, of Austin, graduated from the Minnesota School of Business-Plymouth in spring 2012. Bloom earned an associate’s degree in veterinary technology.

—Ilene Grosam, of Brownsdale, graduated from the University of St. Thomas in spring 2012. Grosam earned a master’s degree in social work advanced standing.

SkillzUSA

Domingo Ramirez and Asham Bell, of Austin, earned Skill Point Certificates at the 2012 National SkillsUSA Championships for Skilled Workforce. Ramirez earned a Skill Point Certificate in screen printing technology and Bell earned a certificate in medical terminology.

DEAN’S LIST

—Emily Hyland and Crystal Stundahl, of Austin; and Stacie Shawback, of Dexter, were named to the University of Wisconsin-La Cross dean’s list for spring 2012.

—Matthew Reed, of Austin, was named to the Northwest College dean’s list in spring 2012.

—Katherine Anderson, of Austin, earned the University of Wisconsin-Stout Chancellor’s Award for spring 2012. The award is presented to students who have a grade point average of 3.5 or above.

Submit your eduction news and accolades to the Austin Daily Herald at trey.mewes@austindailyherald.com.