Speakers chosen

Speakers chosen

washingtonville

Commander Jeff Zeck and Ladies Auxiliary President MaryAnn Milsom of York Drexler Post 5532, Veterans of Foreign Wars, announced the winners of the 2011-12 Voice of Democracy.

Brianne Frederick, a sophomore at Leetonia High School; Kelsey Kridler, a senior at Crestview High School; and Ashley Orr, a senior at Columbiana High School, were first-place winners at their respective schools.

Each will receive a $500 award for their efforts.

This year’s theme was “Is There Pride in Serving in Our Military?” The annual script-writing contest is based on a three-to-five-minute speech, and judging is based on delivery, content and originality and is open to high school students.

All winners will advance to the nine-county District 6 VFW competition with the first-place winner advancing to the VFW State of Ohio finals.

YSU grad wins award

columbus

Stephanie Caruso, a recent graduate of Youngs-town State and a licensed social worker, will be presented the Baccalaureate Social Work Student of the Year award presented by National Association of Social Workers Ohio Chapter at the annual conference Dec. 2.

Caruso’s wish to pursue social work began at a young age when her family struggled with economic hardship because of her medical condition — a hole in her heart, which she had repaired when she was 7 years old. The family had to rely on the kindness of friends and strangers to transport her from Youngstown to Cleveland, and it was at that point she committed her life to serving others.

campus notes

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY, East Lansing, Mich.

Daniel DeMaiolo of Austintown was presented with a Love of Learning Award by the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. The honor, which includes $500, counts DeMaiolo among 80 members nationwide receiving the Phi Kappa Phi Love of Learning Award to help fund post-baccalaureate studies and career development. He was initiated at Youngstown State University, where he studied advertising/public relations and marketing management. He is a graduate student at Michigan State University, studying digital media arts and technology.

DUKE UNIVERSITY, Durham, N.C.

Matthew Yanik, son of Rick and Debbie Yanik of Masury, earned his doctor of physical therapy from the school of medicine/physical therapy division at Duke. He graduated magna cum laude from YSU in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitative science. He is a 2004 graduate of Hubbard High School. He has accepted a position as an inpatient physical therapist at the Cleveland Clinic main campus.

YOUNGSTOWN STATE UNIVERSITY

Vanessa Tortora of Boardman has been selected as the vice president of academic achievement of the Youngstown State University Chapter of Sigma Alpha Lambda. Sigma Alpha Lambda is a national leadership and honors organization dedicated to promoting and rewarding academic achievement and providing members with opportunities for community service, personal development and lifelong professional fulfillment.