Friday, November 18, 2005
YOUNGSTOWN -- Winners of Mahoning Valley Professional 20/30 Club's first 40 Under 40 Awards say philanthropy isn't an option at their age, but a necessity.
Six men and women from Mahoning and Trumbull -- all under age 40 -- were honored Thursday night for career accomplishments and exemplary community service. They were chosen from a field of 40 finalists, all of whom were recognized during a program at the city's convocation center, now known as Chevrolet Centre.
Six winners were named instead of five because of a tie: Atty. Jerry Bryan of Canfield; the Rev. Lewis W. Macklin II of Youngstown; U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th; Scott Schulick of Youngstown; Stephanie Shaw of Howland; and Shelley Taylor of Warren.
Event organizers said the average age of nominees is 341/2 and that the group averages membership in six volunteer organizations each, excluding professional groups.
"This is not a recap of what they've done in their lives. This is just the beginning," said Mike Latessa, president of MVP 20/30 club, which unites young citizens through charitable, educational and social activities.
"It's important to be grateful and to give back to the community that's helped you," said Schulick, vice president of Butler Wick & amp; Co. investment firm and a member of Youngstown State University's board of trustees.
Statements
This generation should remember "that service to the community comes back to you manyfold," said Bryan, of Henderson, Covington, Messenger, Newman & amp; Thomas Co. law firm in Youngstown.
"We are unfortunately part of the 'me-me' generation. We need to focus on the fact that we need to start giving back," said Shaw, who is public and external affairs manager with Sprint communications company in Warren.
"We have to contribute not only to invest but to give back to our community. We have a legacy for our children's children. That begins now," said the Rev. Mr. Macklin, senior pastor of Holy Trinity Baptist Missionary Church, Youngstown.
"I believe it's our duty to give back if we have the ability to," said Taylor, an insurance professional with Paige & amp; Byrnes Insurance of Warren.
Ryan was unable to attend because Congress was in session.
This was the first 40 Under 40 awards banquet in the Mahoning Valley. Similar banquets honoring professionals in big cities have sprung up in recent years.
More than 400 tickets were sold for the event. Proceeds will go to The Youth Philanthropy Fund, which was created by Mahoning Valley 20/30 Club and Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley to emphasize the benefits of philanthropy to younger generations.