2 former Struthers teachers inducted into hall of fame

Staff report

struthers

The Embassy was the venue last month for the fourth Hall of Fame Induction sponsored by The Struthers Foundation for Educational Excellence.

Two former Struthers teachers, Judge James R. Lanzo and the late Doris Lancy, were honored at the event.

Family, friends, colleagues and former students filled the room. The evening began as SHS Band Director Edward Stiles led the Jazz Band in a variety of selections during registration and dinner.

Foundation President Roz Terek introduced Father Bernard Bonnot, who offered the Invocation.

Two Struthers High School teachers, Richard Gage and William Griffin, showed brief presentations which highlighted materials and equipment they received from recently funded Foundation grants.

Keynote Speaker Ron Iarussi, Superintendent of the Mahoning County Educational Service Center, recounted the influence and the support both Judge Lanzo and Lancy have had upon him and other Struthers students and residents. Iarussi remarked that he will always be “Lancy Strong.”

Dinner guests were intrigued as Iarussi presented the video, “Did You Know?/Shift Happens,” created by Karl Fisch.

The video is an interesting commentary and presentation of facts that apply to schools and children around the world.

Foundation Vice President Kristina Daley presented the Hall of Fame Award posthumously to her friend, Lancy.

Accepting on behalf of Lancy were her husband, Ed Lancy and their daughter Sherry. Sherry spoke on behalf of her family and said they are all deeply touched by this honor given to her mother.

Judge Lanzo accepted his award from former student, colleague and friend John Sveda, who is a foundation board member.

Judge Lanzo addressed the dinner guests and recalled how his cousin, the late Joe Paris, influenced him to begin his teaching career in Struthers. Lanzo explained how his decision to accept the Struthers teaching position led to so much more.

Lanzo thanked the foundation for the honor and listened as Terek read a letter from Dan Mamula, former Struthers mayor and past president of the foundation.

Janet Gerlach, foundation secretary, presented gifts to the honorees on behalf of the foundation board.

Additionally, both honorees were awarded proclamations from U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, state Sen. Joe Schiavoni, D-33rd, of Canfield, state Rep. Ronald V. Gerberry, D-59th, of Austintown, and state Rep. Robert F. Hagan, D-60th, of Youngstown.