YSU welcomes its 20th class of Cochran University Scholars

May 9, 2012 at 12:00a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

Kayla Zitello’s major and career choice might be undetermined, but one thing that’s certain is her gratitude.

“It was insane, a surreal feeling,” the Boardman High School student said after receiving a scholarship that will pay her full tuition as well as room and board when she attends Youngstown State University beginning in August. “I’m very grateful for it.”

Zitello was one of 40 high school students who made up the 20th class of the Leslie H. Cochran University Scholars program, named after Cochran, who served eight years as YSU’s president. The students were honored for their academic and community achievements during Tuesday’s Scholar Day 2012 ceremony in YSU’s Chestnut Room.

The program started in 1993 under Cochran and offers full-tuition and room-and-board scholarships yearly to 40 of the best and brightest high school graduates in the U.S.

Requirements include scoring at least a 28 on the ACT exam or an 1860 on the SAT, being in the top 15 percent of a graduating class, submitting and having approved a resume and performing at least 60 hours of volunteer work each year, noted Ronald Shaklee, program director. Recipients must maintain a minimum 3.5 grade-point average to keep the scholarships, Shaklee said.

Zitello may consider working in chemistry but is leaving her options open, she said.

There’s little uncertainty though when it comes to much of Alana Lesnansky’s future.

“I’m so happy to be here,” said Lesnansky, a Boardman senior who plans to major in biology. “It’s a relief to get [the scholarship] and be part of the scholarship family.”

Lesnansky’s short- and long-term goals include taking summer classes at YSU, becoming a geneticist and opening a dance studio to reflect her love of dancing, something she’s done since age 3, she said.

Sharing her excitement was Katherine Pitcairn, a Western Reserve High School senior whose major is chemical engineering.

“I looked at a lot of colleges, but this scholarship is amazing to receive,” she said.

Pitcairn added that she might minor in environmental studies and possibly work for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Along those lines, helping businesses manufacture products that are more environmentally friendly is a strong career possibility, she continued.

Speaking during the program was Atty. Joshua R. Hiznay, a scholar alumnus.

Hiznay advised the scholars to balance studying with having fun, building relationships with professors, asking to assist with research projects, attending sporting, musical and theatrical events, taking advantage of university resources, finding a job on or near campus and joining on-campus clubs.

“If the social club you want doesn’t exist, create it,” he concluded.

Remarks also were made by YSU President Cynthia Anderson. In recognition of the 20th anniversary, scholarship alumni were on hand to welcome the new class.