300 Star Parents of Youngstown City School students will be recognized

YOUNGSTOWN

Former Mayor Jay Williams and his wife, Sonja, will be guest speakers Friday at the ninth Parent Title I Conference: Parent Recognition Awards Program.

The event runs from 8 a.m. to noon at Stambaugh Auditorium. Nearly 300 Star Parents of Youngstown City School students will be recognized.

“We are so excited to have more than 500 families and community members signed up to attend this conference,” said Linda Hoey, school district parent liaison. She attributed the high number to families and friends who want to celebrate and show appreciation to the Star Parents and to the speakers.

Williams, who served as city mayor from 2006 to August 2011, is the assistant secretary of commerce for economic development. Williams stepped down to accept a position in President Barack Obama’s administration as executive director of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers. He was promoted to his current job in 2014.

His wife, Sonja, is the graduate enrollment coordinator at Marymount University.

The award recipients are parents nominated by teachers, counselors and parent liaisons for their dedication toward the betterment of their children’s education.

Other speakers include Superintendent Connie Hathorn and parents Mark Herron, Tessia Day and Tanisha McMullen. Guests will receive educational materials and gifts. Chaney Visual and Performing Arts students will entertain the audience.