11 hometown heroes named by Red Cross

The heroes displayed extraordinary acts of courage and donated many hours to the community.

STAFF REPORT

BOARDMAN — American Red Cross Mahoning Valley Chapter has chosen 11 people for its 2009 Heroes of the Mahoning Valley awards.

The award recipients, nominated by family members, neighbors, friends and co-workers, live within the Mahoning chapter’s jurisdiction and will be honored at a Jan. 17 brunch at Antone’s Banquet Center in Boardman. Tickets are $15 and are available by calling the chapter, 330-726-6063.

They were selected as heroes based on their humanitarian contributions or extraordinary acts of courage, for donating countless hours to better the community and for inspiring others through their actions, the Red Cross said.

The 2009 Heroes of the Mahoning Valley, and the impact category which they represent, are:

UCommunity Impact:

Ryan Blaney, of Canfield, a member of Boy Scout Troop 25. In the process of completing his Boy Scout Eagle project, he helped two Army National Guard units, the 237th Forward Support Battalion and the 583rd Military Police Detachment, both with headquarters in Austintown and stationed in Iraq, by planning, organizing and overseeing the sending of 100 care packages to the units. He was nominated by his scout adviser, Chuck Gibson.

U Educator:

Michael Masucci, of Poland, principal of Poland North Elementary School. Masucci furthered the learning environment at his school by developing several programs, including a great recycling atmosphere; family nights for reading, technology, science, mathematics and music; and a healthy walking program. He also generated support and funds for Armed Services veterans and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He was nominated by the school’s staff and faculty.

U Firefighter:

James Stewart, Poland assistant fire chief. Stewart demonstrated outstanding leadership to the fire district and dedication to the community by overseeing the creation and implementation of policies and procedures to protect his fellow firefighters and the public, as well as taking charge at emergency sites. Stewart, production manager at E. H. Duncan, was nominated by Poland Fire Chief David Comstock Jr.

U Good neighbors:

JoAnn Douglas, of Austintown. She has committed acts of kindness and improved the lives of friends and neighbors by offering baby sitting services at all hours of the day and night, refusing to accept money. She has bought toys, clothes and groceries for those in need without asking for compensation. She was nominated by Lisa King.

David Shelly and Ben Lewis, of Girard. After a natural gas explosion occurred on their street, they rushed inside the burning house to rescue two women who were trapped. Seconds after the men pulled the victims from danger, the house collapsed in a heap of flames. They were nominated by Jason Jannetti.

U Law enforcement:

Boardman Police Sgt. Ed McDonnell. McDonnell saved the life of Orfeste Fata in the St. Luke Catholic Church parking lot after Fata collapsed and stopped breathing. McDonnell administered CPR until emergency medical technicians and fire personnel arrived. He was nominated by Boardman Police Chief Patrick Berarducci.

U Medical:

Rick Spitznagel, originally of Youngstown. He helped save the life of Joseph Bokesch, his childhood friend, by donating one of his kidneys to Bokesch. He was nominated by Joseph’s mother, Nancie Bokesch, who said the family is blessed to have such a wonderful friend.

Amy Geskey, originally of Youngstown. She offered to donate a kidney to Patrick Bokesch, Joseph Bokesch’s brother, but was not able to donate because of medical issues. Amy was also nominated by Nancie Bokesch, who said Amy’s kindness is greatly appreciated by the Bokesch family, and that Amy continues to encourage others to donate organs to those in need. Amy is studying medicine at Ohio State University.

U Youth Samaritans:

Anthony Carino, of Austintown. Anthony exhibited outstanding compassion in his effort to make the life of a classmate, who was the victim of a house fire, more comfortable. While watching firefighters battle a fire in Austintown, he noticed that one of the victims was a classmate. The boy told Anthony that he had lost everything in the fire. Moved by this, Anthony gathered some of his own belongings, including his favorite sweat shirt, and gave them to the boy. Anthony and his mother also bought pizza for the family. The next day at school, Anthony’s friend was dressed in the clothing that he had given him. Anthony was nominated by his mother, Gayle.

Paige Kellgren, a student at Poland North Elementary School. Paige used her skill as an artist to raise money for a Make-A-Wish Foundation campaign at her school. She painted a picture that her friends and family bid for, raising nearly $500 of the $6,000 that her school sent to the foundation. The gift enabled a girl from Girard to have her wish to visit Disney World. Paige was nominate by her school principal, Michael Masucci.

alcorn@vindy.com