The American Institute of CPAs has presented its Elijah Watt Sells Awards to the top performers on the CPA Exam.
The awards are presented annually to the 10 candidates earning the highest cumulative scores on the four sections of the computerized Uniform CPA Examination. These candidates must have completed testing during the previous calendar year and passed each exam section on their first attempt. Over 85,000 individuals sat for the exam in 2008.
The 2008 Sells Award winners (in alphabetical order, followed by their state board affiliation) are:
Jennifer Renee Clifton (Virginia), a graduate of the University of Virginia with a BS in Commerce and a Masters in Accounting, is currently employed by KPMG LLP in Washington, D.C.
Stanley J Gordon Jr. (Utah), a graduate of Utah Valley University with a BS in Accounting and a Master of Accountancy from Brigham Young University, is currently employed with Wisan, Smith, Racker & Prescot in Salt Lake City.
Brad Hocking (North Carolina), a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a BS in Business Administration, is currently working for Deloitte & Touche LLP in Charlotte, N.C.
Christopher Michael Leon (Missouri), a graduate of the University of Missouri St. Louis with a BS in Accounting, is planning on creating a successful public accounting practice and developing his talents into a career in consulting.
Jennifer Rachel Luchs (Wisconsin), a graduate of Marquette University with a BS in Business Administration, is currently employed by Deloitte Tax LLP in Milwaukee.
Clint Presley (Texas), a graduate of McNeese State University with a BS in Accounting and a Masters of Education in Sports Administration from Wichita State University, is currently employed by Moore, Reichl & Baker PC. in Houston.
Leslie Johnson Rezgui (Colorado), a graduate of Yale University with a BA and a Masters of Accounting and Financial Management from DeVry University, is currently working for The Spectranetics Corp. in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Gabriel Vaughan (Texas), a graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas with a BS, an MBA and a Masters in Accounting and Information Management, is currently working for FelCor Lodging Trust Inc. in Irving, Texas.
Sheriann Wirkkala (Virginia), a graduate of Gonzaga University with a BS in Business Administration and a Masters in Accountancy, is currently employed by KPMP LLP in Washington, D.C.
Tyler S. Wright (Missouri), a graduate of Missouri State University with a BSBA and a Masters of Accountancy, is currently working for KPMG LLP in Kansas City, Mo.