MAHONING VALLEY Teen gives a lesson in history

Ten students acted out the biographies of figures in Valley history.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
LIBERTY -- About 500 Liberty High School students got a taste of Youngstown-area history Tuesday, thanks to the efforts of one of their own.
With the help of some of her friends, Liberty senior Kerri Shelton presented "Ten of the Most Influential People of the Mahoning Valley."
Ten of her friends, some dressed in period costumes, performed the biographies of historical figures ranging from John Young, Youngstown's founder, to Edward J. DeBartolo Sr., nationally known mall and real-estate developer.
The living biographies coupled with a computerized power point presentation allowed students to learn about the former movers and shakers of the Valley.
How it came about
As an honors student, 18-year-old Kerri had to put together a project. Rather than a stage presentation, the project could have been a paper, independent study or class instruction.
After discussing it with her parents, Steve and Christine Shelton of Sampson Road, Kerri came up a year ago with the idea of a historical presentation.
Her membership on the school speech team and her interest in the theater also played a role in her deciding on the stage presentation.
It's the only live honors program that will be presented this year.
Kerri explained that her research initially came up with 50 people who had added to the Valley's economic viability, but she reduced it to 10.
"I wanted to show the most accurate information about these individuals," Kerri said.
The period covered was 1763 to 1996.
Introduction
In introducing the program, student Carrie Gibson told the students that the influential people are examples of what they are capable of becoming.
Kerri told the assembly that she hoped students also learned more about the Valley.
Those playing the parts of the figures in history were seniors Paul Martin, Jeff Weimer, Joseph Pontuti, Michael Gallo and Ryan Mattocks; juniors Carrie Gibson and Andrew and Ryan Mirkin; sophomore Thomas Harzilabrou; and freshman Patrick Shelton.
Kerri said she hopes to study microbiology at Miami University of Ohio next year. She's aiming for a medical career.
yovich@vindy.com