New class of scholars chosen for OSU program

By Harold Gwin

The pupils are making a long-term commitment to education, including college.

YOUNGSTOWN — A dozen city school sixth-graders have been guaranteed enrollment at Ohio State University when they finish high school, provided they succeed as members of the Young Scholars Program.

The 12, who will enter the program as seventh-graders this fall, were inducted into the Class of 2008 Pre-Young Scholars at a school board meeting Tuesday by the district and OSU. Formal induction as Young Scholars comes upon entering ninth grade.

The children and their families are essentially making a 10-year commitment to education.

The Young Scholars Program was created by OSU’s Office of Minority Affairs in 1988 as a pre-collegiate and collegiate program designed to enhance academic, personal and career development of young people. That group includes low-income, inner-city children from Ohio’s largest urban districts who are nominated by teachers, principals and guidance counselors. Only first-generation, college-bound pupils are accepted.

Participants will be required to sign agreements covering what will be expected of them and what they can expect from OSU, said Dr. Patrick Royster, OSU’s director of the program.

He advised them to spend the next several years sharpening their skills in reading, writing and mathematics and to get involved in school and community activities as preparation for their college education.

“It’s not where you’ve been, it’s where you’re going, and where you’re going is up to you,” Dr. Wendy Webb, schools superintendent, told the inductees. “The responsibility lies with you.”

Webb told the pupils she is proud of their selection and said her door will be open to them if they need her help.

There are people out here working for you, she said, adding, “You have to work. It doesn’t come easy.”

Those completing the six-year program are guaranteed admission to OSU, along with a financial aid package based on their individual need.

The program offers workshops, tutoring and career exploration to the participants. Only 120 children are accepted annually.

Members of the Class of 2008 and their home schools are:

Angel Bell (P. Ross Berry), Brea Berry (Athena: School of Excellence), Taija Cofield (Volney Rogers), James Copeland (P. Ross Berry), Kendrick Cruz-Rodriquez (Hayes), Tahtiana Hewlett (Hayes), Taeshawn Madison (Hayes), Akeera Mitchell (Hayes), Jaelynn Morrison (Athena), KiRayzha Ortiz (Volney Rogers), Gregory Solomon Jr. (Hayes) and LeAqua White (Hayes).

The school district also recognized the Class of 2002 Young Scholars who are graduating from high school this year. They are:

Ashley Carter (East High School), Benjamin Davis (McDonald High School), Jasamine Driskell (Chaney High School), Rukiya Fleming (Chaney), Kyauna Hopkins (East), Kiswania McDonald (Youngstown Early College), Isiah Neely (Chaney), Kaylane Robbins (Boardman High School) and Amber Rushton (Liberty High School).

gwin@vindy.com