Tressel gives motivational speech to Struthers students

Staff report

STRUTHERS

Youngstown State University President Jim Tressel told Struthers schools students to use opportunities they have now to decide on their commitments for the future.

“Hopefully we’ll have a little bit of fun,” he said Tuesday afternoon to students at Struthers Middle School.

Tressel told them how fortunate they are to have opportunities and the resources available to them such as teachers and parents. “They’re here to equip you,” he said.

The former coach of YSU and the Ohio State University football teams stressed to the student body how important it is to “decide in advance” of their commitments for the future — such as their health, academics and careers.

“We’re excited to have Coach Tressel here with us,” said Joseph Nohra, Struthers schools superintendent.

Middle-school Principal Pete Pirone agreed. “It’s great for our kids to see,” he said.

Tressel’s visit followed a recent announcement that the school district is offering parents optional drug tests for students in grades 7-12. The drug-test program already is mandatory for student athletes.

Pirone said having students “pledge for a drug-free life is important.”

Tressel also spoke at Struthers High School.

This was the 20th high- school visit for Tressel, which serves to expose YSU to students, said Gary Swegan, the associate vice president for enrollment planning and management.

Additionally, the YSU president also was a keynote speaker Tuesday night at the Hall of Fame dinner hosted by the Struthers School Foundation for Educational Excellence, which supports the district, at the Embassy on Youngstown-Poland Road.

“It ties it all together,” Pirone said.