Poland basketball program went beyond sportsmanship

Poland basketball program went beyond sportsmanship

EDITOR:

On behalf of the Beaver Local Board of Education and myself, I would like to commend the community of Poland Schools for the outpouring of support for one of the Beaver Local basketball players, Jake Lunders, who was critically injured in a car accident Nov. 20. Last year, when Beaver Local played Poland on Feb. 13, 2009, it was the Stay Strong No. 31 Night in honor of Mitch Dinopoulos. The Beaver Local basketball team was happy to make any adjustments that were needed for the program. They showed true sportsmanship and compassion by each player going over to wish Mitch good luck prior to the game. Jake made it a point after the game to stop and give Mitch one more good luck wish.

The Beaver Local School Community now has a Stay Strong No. 31 fund for Jake and his family. Jake, like Mitch, wears 31. What was done by the Poland School Community at the game between Beaver and Poland on Jan. 28 was remarkable. T-shirts were worn to support Jake by the teams, coaches, and referees. The Beaver Local fans were given T-shirts. Between the 50/50 raffle and the donations that were collected, $2,500 was raised. A huge basketful of snacks and two T-shirts were presented for Jake.

Too often, the good deeds done by others go unnoticed. Kudos to Poland’s athletic director, Brian Banfield, Coach Grisdale and the players, the Poland Boys’ Basketball Club, and all the fans for the generosity and compassion they have shown to Jake and his family and for making this special connection between Beaver and Poland.

Dr. SANDRA J. DiBACCO, Superintendent

Beaver Local Schools

Columbiana County

YSU’s decision to restore Pollock House makes sense

EDITOR:

I am taking this opportunity, as a former Youngstown State University trustee, to congratulate the current members of the board on their decision to renovate and redo the former Pollock House to provide an on-campus residence for the next president of the university.

It further restores this mansion to its glory days in the history of Youngstown. It provides a beautification not only to our campus but also to the city.

While some may not understand the wisdom of this decision it is, in my opinion, a wise financial decision. Funded by the sale of bonds, this project fits nicely into the Master Plan. It will not put a further financial burden on our students.

Not only will this decision provide an excellent residence, but it will also be an outstanding location for the president to receive guests and distinguished visitors.

JOSEPH S. NOHRA

Youngstown