Young women to be honored at YWCA awards program

BOARDMAN — For the 13th consecutive year, the YWCA of Youngstown will sponsor a “Young Women With Bright Futures” awards program, at which young women from 27 area schools will be honored for their commitment to their schools, communities and families.

The celebration will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Holiday Inn.

The honorees are high-school seniors who were selected by their teachers or administrators for excellence in scholarship and leadership. They have also been active participants in school or community activities and volunteerism.

Recognized at the awards program will be the following:

Kierra Butler of Woodrow Wilson High School.

Dionna Wallace, The Rayen School.

Kathryn Wengerd, Youngstown Christian School.

Ava DiRienzo, Campbell Memorial High School.

Kelly Morckel, West Branch High School.

Stephanie Gasper, Western Reserve High School.

Sarah Merhaut, Canfield High School.

Alyssa Larkin, Austintown Fitch High School.

Carolyn Drummond, Boardman High School.

Aimee Wallace, Poland Seminary High School.

Jeanine Awad, Cardinal Mooney High School.

Candace Okello, Chaney High School.

Kaela Barnes, Choffin Career and Technical Center.

Erin Fisher, Girard High School.

Julie Boyce, Hubbard High School.

Alicia Allison, Jackson-Milton High School.

Jessica Marstellar, Liberty High School.

Megan Harris, Lowellville High School.

Shannon Rapovy, Mahoning County Career and Technical Center.

Jamie Fynes, McDonald High School.

Trisha Cameron, Mineral Ridge High School.

Angela DeSimone, Niles McKinley High School.

Briana Jones, Sebring McKinley High School.

Kelcie Witmer, South Range High School.

Brittany Schrieber, Springfield Local High School.

Allison Fuline, Struthers High School.

Victoria McBride, Ursuline High School.

The young women were also eligible to enter an essay contest in order to earn a cash award to further their education or career pursuits. The winner of this year’s contest is Sarah Merhaut of Canfield High School.

Stephanie Hunter of Canfield is serving as chairwoman for this year’s event, and the co-chairwoman is Trudy Cheney. Committee members are Barbara Ade, Jo Ann Ellis, Barbara Huberty, Janet Broomfield-Johnson, Kathleen Johnson, Goldia McCall and Peggy Stephens.

For additional information on the awards banquet, call the YWCA at (330) 746-6361.