Fifth-grader dazzles ‘Ice Tour’ promoters

The Williams Holmes McGuffey pupil will receive an award Friday at the Chevy Centre.

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — Ten-year-old Alex Schlosser of Youngstown doesn’t think twice about paying forward and, as a result, will receive the Star Dazzle Award from the cast of “High School Musical: The Ice Tour” on Friday at the Chevrolet Centre.

Alex is a multitalented boy — he has taken first place in various mathematics competitions, got an MVP trophy for his baseball prowess and was voted to be the student council representative for his fifth-grade class.

However, it’s the things that Alex does “behind the scenes” that caught the eye of “High School Musical: The Ice Tour” promoters.

Alex gave up all his recesses over the past year to help Janet Donofrio, a kindergarten teacher, with her class and to organize her lessons. Additionally, each Christmas, Alex insists on giving his toys to Toys for Tots. He also makes sure that a portion of his allowance goes to charity and, after he’s finished with his baseball equipment, he donates it to other children who can use it.

“Alex is such a hard worker and he loves to plan everything out around his charitable work — he’s like a little miniature adult,” said Claudette Richardson, his math teacher.

“For instance, if we are preparing for a math competition, he will budget out his time so he still has time to help Mrs. Donofrio, the kindergarten teacher, and work with me on his math skills. He is just a delightful young man.”

When we asked him why he does these things, he said, “It feels right! Because some people cannot have that stuff, and we should all give back to help.”

Alex, son of Mary Ann and Frank Schlosser, is a fifth-grader at William Holmes McGuffey Elementary School and, in addition to receiving the Star Dazzle Award, he will receive front-row tickets to the opening-night performance. The Star Dazzle Award was inspired by the award given in the movie “High School Musical 2” and is granted to a local child for work in the community.

In the movie, Ryan Evans was given the award by his sister Sharpay for the work he did putting together the number for the East High Wildcats to perform at the Lava Springs Country Club Talent Show.

“High School Musical: The Ice Tour” will be at Chevy Centre Friday though Sunday for six performances.