Promoted to director

Promoted to director

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. — William Brandt, former site supervisor in Westminster College’s Department of Public Safety, was promoted to Director of Public Safety. He is responsible for the overall administration of departmental activities for the college.

Brandt replaces John Lechner, who resigned after his election as a Mercer County commissioner. Brandt served as a Pennsylvania State Police officer for 31 years before joining the Westminster staff in 2001. He holds a degree in the administration of justice from the University of Pittsburgh.

Choffin takes applications

YOUNGSTOWN — The Choffin Career & Technical Center is accepting applications from high school sophomores in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties for the 2008-09 school year. Choffin offers 21 different career and technical programs that are only a half day and students can earn college credit.

Choffin is also accepting applications for the 2008-09 school year for adults looking for a new career. Choffin offers many accredited full- and part-time adult programs. For more information, visit Choffin on the Web at www.choffincareer.com or call (330) 744-8719.

Academic Challenge set

EAST PALESTINE — The Columbiana County Educational Service Center is coordinating the County Varsity Academic Challenge competition from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at East Palestine High School.

Nine Columbiana County high schools will compete in the tournament. The winner will represent Columbiana County at the regional competition April 26 at Jefferson Community College in Steubenville.

The state tournament will be May 4 at Columbus State Community College. This marks the 31st consecutive year for the Columbiana County Varsity Academic Challenge, which is the longest-running countywide academic competition in the state of Ohio.

Financial Aid Night

STRUTHERS — Struthers High School Guidance Department will be hosting a Financial Aid Night for juniors, seniors and their parents at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the high school cafeteria.

A representative from Youngstown State University’s Financial Aid Office will go over the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FASFA) form. Scholarship information will also be available.

Open house at Ursuline

YOUNGSTOWN — Ursuline High School will hold an open house from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 3 for pupils interested in attending the school.

Academic departments and school organizations will prepare booths for the event and there will be performances by the school band, cheerleaders and speech team members.

Tours will be conducted on the half-hour and student artwork and a photo montage will be on display. A tuition raffle will be held for eighth-graders accompanied by a parent or guardian. Information on financial aid will also be available.

Team ranks No. 19 in U.S.

GROVE CITY, Pa. — In only its second year of competition in parliamentary debate, the Grove City College Speech and Debate Team is ranked No. 19 in the country by the National Parliamentary Debate Association, one of the largest intercollegiate debate associations. Grove City ended the fall with 61 points after competing in only three tournaments, the fewest number of any top-20 school.

The rankings account for the top four scores turned in by each school. Previously, Grove City focused on Lincoln-Douglas debate competitions. The team wrapped up the semester with a No. 1 placing at the Tennessee Porch Swing tournament at Carson-Newman College in November.