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Stambaugh’s award adds to McGuffey legacy
By Denise Dick
By DENISE DICK
youngstown
Helen Stambaugh is a supporter of education who has spent much of her life giving back to the community.
That’s the reason members of the William Holmes McGuffey Historical Society selected her as this year’s recipient of its Pioneer Award. “It’s given to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding contributions in the fields of literacy, education, culture and history preservation,” said Richard Scarsella, president of the historical society.
The organization presented Stambaugh with the award Friday at a founder’s day event at William Holmes McGuffey Elementary School. The celebration included storytelling for the children.
“I think the reason I was chosen was because I support education,” Stambaugh said this week. “Mostly, I support education” at Youngstown State University.
She has contributed to scholarships there, donated money to the College of Fine and Performing Arts to tune pianos and to buy uniforms for the marching band and provided the lead gift for the university’s Wellness and Recreation Center, which opened in 2005.
YSU’s football stadium, Arnold D. Stambaugh Stadium, was named in her husband’s honor.
Previous winners of the Pioneer Award include Gilbert “Gibby” James, Tony Larricia, Janie Jenkins and Dr. Regina Reese, storyteller and YSU professor.
“This is the fifth year we’ve given the award in an effort to keep the McGuffey legacy alive,” Scarsella said.
McGuffey was an American professor and college president who is best known for writing the “McGuffey Eclectic Readers,” one of the nation’s first and most widely used series of textbooks.
“It was written in 1836, and it’s never been out of print,” Scarsella said.
Stambaugh, who grew up near Lowellville, was selected to receive the award for her generosity to the community, he said, especially to YSU and the Boy Scouts.
“After I graduated from high school, I began working in the city and went to YSU at night,” Stambaugh said, adding that’s when she moved to the city where she remains.
“She’s from a whole different generation that believes in giving back to the community where they live,” Scarsella said. “William Holmes McGuffey was all about giving back.”