Formal greeting awaits pupils as classes start

Louis Mamula, a 1940 Lowellville High School graduate, greets Lowellville pupils as they return to school. Mamula, 82, donned a top hat and tuxedo for Tuesday's welcome. The longtime village resident has routinely greeted pupils on the first day of school and other occasions, and has dressed up in many outfits, including his World War II uniform. He said he chose the formal attire this time because pupils did so well on the state report card. Lowellville schools met all 22 standards, which pertain to pupil performance on proficiency tests, attendance and graduation rate. Most Mahoning County pupils returned to their classrooms Tuesday to begin the 2003-04 school year.