Achievements of students get recognition

By Elise Franco

efranco@vindy.com

Austintown

Student achievements were at the forefront of Monday’s board of education meeting.

Nearly two dozen Austintown students were recognized for achievements in arts and athletics.

The board first recognized Austintown Fitch senior Nicole Cirbus, who is the 2009-10 oratorical Ohio State Speech and Debate champion.

“I couldn’t have done this without my wonderful coach,” Cirbus said of speech and debate coach John Mazzuco. “He’s always inspired me.”

Jerry Bruff, assistant athletic director, then announced the 2009-10 All Federal League athletes. DeAndre Richardson was named honorable mention for boys basketball; Byanca Henderson was named second team for girls basketball; Gina Cheff, Marietta Gallo and Vince Vigilo were named first team, and Delorean Jones and Vickie Berquist were named second team, all for bowling; Shawn Ague was named first team for wrestling and Federal League wrestler of the year; and R.J. Balog and Andy Koch were named honorable mention for wrestling.

“Congratulations and a great job to all of our student athletes,” Bruff said.

The Austintown Middle School eighth-grade girls basketball team was also recognized for finishing the season undefeated, with 17 wins, said coach Jeff Wilson.

Wilson said only two other teams on that level have gone undefeated in the school’s history.

Board member Tom Stellers commented that all of the students recognized at Monday’s meeting are an example of the district’s excellence.

“Falcon pride has really been enhanced by these students,” he said.