For weatherman, it's a matter of degree

The WFMJ forecaster's next step will be to earn a certificate in meteorology.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Early-morning viewers of "WFMJ Today" in Youngstown know to expect the unexpected from weatherman Frank Marzullo.
One minute, the 24-year-old forecaster might be dancing in front of his map while delivering the weather. The next minute, he's trading jokes with anchors Laurie Lehosky and Scott Schneider. Later, he's broadcasting live on remote, giving his forecast while zooming around in an all-terrain vehicle.
But last Saturday, Marzullo, of Boardman, put away his weather maps and headed for Youngstown State University, where he donned a cap and gown and joined hundreds of other graduates at YSU's summer commencement.
The vivacious morning weatherman received a bachelor of arts degree in communications during the ceremonies at Beeghly Center at YSU.
Further education
Already a member of the National Weather Association, Marzullo plans to continue his education by beginning work on a certificate in meteorology from the University of Mississippi through a correspondence program.
"People told me it would be too tough to work full time and complete my degree, but YSU really worked with me," said Marzullo, who joined WFMJ in 2000.
"I appreciated the flexibility and personal attention I got at Youngstown State. That's why I was able to finish school."
Marzullo's connection to weather forecasting dates to his years at Kenston High School in Bainbridge Township in suburban Cleveland.
In his senior year, his mentor was John Stehlin, a soccer coach at his high school who did weather reports on the weekends.
After high school, he enrolled at Ohio University in Athens. While a student, he was the weekend weatherman for WTAP in Parkersburg, W.Va.
"It's important to be happy, to be treated right in your present job and to be happy with your job," Marzullo said. "These three things combined say success."
And that is what he has found at WFMJ. "We like each other on the morning show," he said.
Popularity
The audience likes the show, too -- "WFMJ Today" has been rated No. 1 in the local market.
Marzullo is host of the station's Lunchbox Weather with Pizza Hut, Junior Stormtrackers, and Frank's Twist at Handel's. He also was the object of the "Be Frank's Valentine" promotion and is involved with the Second Harvest Foodbank.