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Youngstown schools recognize two police officers
By Denise Dick
YOUNGSTOWN
The city school board recognized two police officers for their work in the schools.
Malik Mostella, who is assigned to East High School, and Doug Pesa, who works at Programs of Promise at Wilson, received the school district’s second annual Distinguished School Officer Award at Tuesday’s school board meeting. Both are city police officers.
They were among seven police officers nominated for the award by building principals or other school personnel.
William Morvay, schools security chief, said police officers who work in schools fulfill three roles: officer, counselor and educator.
“They keep the peace in the school so students can learn and teachers can teach,” he said.
They are positive role models for many students, Morvay said.
Mostella, who also worked in elementary schools last school year, was nominated by Wanda Clark, retired principal from Williamson Elementary School.
“When he entered the building, he always had a smile on his face,” Clark said.
Mostella also gave a pizza party for students throughout the school who behaved.
“He bought pizza for 325 students,” Clark said. “He’s a blessing to our school and students.”
Tod Morris, Wilson principal, nominated Pesa for the award, calling him “a supportive addition to the staff.”
He talks to students and always offers hope and encouragement, Morris said.
The officer works with students when they face difficult emotional times and handles himself with grace and authority, the principal said.
The board also approved the resignation of Sharon McDonald-Butler, effective Tuesday. McDonald-Butler, a teacher in the in-school suspension program at Wilson, had been on medical leave since Nov. 10. She also was on medical leave from Sept. 22 through Oct. 22.
McDonald-Butler was the principal at Chaney last year, but her contract was terminated. Because she had tenure, though, she was able to become a teacher.