STATE AUDITOR VISIT Betty Montgomery tells students to find balance

Some 162 students took part in Civic Day.
STRUTHERS -- Ohio Auditor Betty Montgomery encouraged local students to strike a balance between high-tech skills and old-fashioned virtues.
Speaking to students at the 22nd annual Boardman/Poland Rotary Career/Civic Day luncheon, Montgomery cited examples such as Rosa Parks and Clara Barton and said that the world needs more people who are willing to say, "Not now ... not ever again ... I can make a difference. I'm mad and I'm going to change things."
The Rotary Clubs in Boardman and Poland sponsor the career day program with participation from Mahoning County Career and Technical Center, Mahoning County Career Development Program, and Boardman, Poland, South Range and Springfield districts. This year, 162 students spent part of the day with business owners and government officials. The program gives students a chance to get a close look at career options, said Boardman Rotarian Gregg Riddle, who organized the program.
Find causes
Montgomery urged students to find causes they believe in and work to make a difference where they are.
"We're very plugged in today," said Montgomery, who served as Ohio attorney general for eight years before being elected as state auditor in 2002. "But we're also tuned out. We don't listen. We need to unplug those boxes, turn off the telephone and turn down the stereo ... Reality isn't just a show on television, it's what we live every day.
"Nothing is too small when we can help other people. Our world is high-tech, but nothing can replace a hug, a gentle touch or a listening ear."