PUPILS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

PUPILS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Young Leaders conferee
CANFIELD -- Gabby Schiraldi of Canfield recently attended a Junior National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. Gabby, who will be a seventh-grader this fall at St. Christine Elementary School, participated in a reception on Capitol Hill, where pupils met with representatives from congressional offices. She also visited the Smithsonian Institution's American History Museum and Colonial Williamsburg, and participated in a sleep-over at the Maryland Science Center. Gabby is the daughter of Susan and Richard Schiraldi.
Wins YSU/Delphi prize
WARREN -- Justin Kopelos, a senior at Warren G. Harding High School, is the recipient of the inaugural YSU/Delphi FIRST scholarship, which recognizes the work of a member of the Delphi E.L.I.T.E. Robotics Team at the high school. The team was formed seven years ago as part of a national program called FIRST -- For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology -- which links corporate sponsors, technical scholars and students for learning, problem-solving and competition. The award is funded by the YSU Foundation and Delphi Packard Electric; Delphi Packard also will provide three years of cooperative engineering training.
8th-graders honored
NILES -- Our Lady of Mount Carmel School honored its eighth-grade pupils for their accomplishments this past year.
Alex Sava received the religion award for having the highest grade average in religion and for his all-around service involvement. Alex and Jenna Floravit received the Christian leadership award. Rob Sava and Jamie Prezioso earned a scholastic award. Rob and Jenna Floravit received the Archie Griffin Sportsmanship Award. Mark Matash and Lindsay Mulhall were given the essay award. The Presidential Academic Award went to George Donkers, Jenna Floravit, Eric Gelsomino, Anna Mancini, Mark Matash, David Orlosky, Jaimie Prezioso, Alex Sava and Rob Sava.
K-12 NEWS
Healthful food programs
EAST PALESTINE -- Several area schools have been recognized as having outstanding food programs that promote healthful school nutrition, the Ohio Department of Education said. East Palestine's elementary, middle and high schools were recognized, as was Campbell Elementary School. Schools were judged in several categories, including the quality of meals served, the availability of healthful choices and continuing education and training opportunities for food-service staff.
EDUCATOR NEWS
New council trustees
YOUNGSTOWN -- Two Mahoning Valley residents are among seven area business and civic leaders who have joined the board of trustees of the Northeast Ohio Council on Higher Education.
Paul M. Dutton is a partner in the law firm of Harrington, Hoppe & amp; Mitchell, Ltd., in Youngstown. He serves as a trustee at Central State University in Wilberforce, formerly served for nine years as a member of the Ohio Board of Regents and previously served as trustee at Youngstown State University.
Ruth Wilkes has been mayor of Poland since 1990. She is a former member of the Youngstown State University board of trustees, and served as chairwoman in 2000-01. Since 1998, she has served on the board of the YSU Foundation and also serves on the university's Strategic Initiatives Committee.
The NOCHE board now consists of the presidents of the region's 23 institutions of higher education and 23 leaders from the business and civic community. The group seeks to build work-force capacity and enhance development of the region's economy.
Science award winner
GIRARD -- Former Girard resident Carolyn A. Hennon has received a 2004 WOW! Science Award from the Great Lakes Science Center for her work as a fourth-grade teacher at Edith Whitney Elementary School in the Strongsville district. Nine teachers in three grade categories were selected as winners from among 73 total nominations. Hennon is a graduate of Girard High School and Mount Union College.