Student artwork recognized by court advisory board

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County Juvenile Court Advisory Board, in conjunction with the DeBartolo Corp., Farmers National Bank and DiRusso’s Sausage Inc., recognized the winners of the 11th annual poster contest at an awards ceremony at The Embassy.

Award recipients along with their family members and school representatives attended.

Eligibility was limited to students from Mahoning County high schools, and the contest was divided into two divisions, one for ninth and 10th grades and one for 11th and 12th grades.

This year’s theme was “Community ... It’s Not Just Where You Live.”

Final submissions were selected by classroom teachers and the winners were juried by Dr. Robyn Maas and Dr. Stephanie Smith. Judge Theresa Dellick of Mahoning County Juvenile Court presented the awards and spoke at the breakfast. Judge Dellick acknowledged the talents of the local students and the dedication of the parents.

Local radio celebrities AC McCullough and Kelly Stevens were on hand to address the awardees and invited guests.

In the ninth- and 10th-grade category, first-place honors went to Marlie Kluchar, whose entry was also selected by Farmers National Bank as the corporate prize winner. She received a $400 Visa gift card, and a photo of her artwork will be displayed on a billboard on 2271 E. Western Reserve Road, Boardman. Second place went to Nashaly Bermudez and third to Emily Galterio, all from Poland schools. All received gift cards provided by event sponsors.

In the 11th- and 12th-grade division, Ashley Labatte, Poland Seminary High School, took first-place. Second-place honors went to Alexis Kotuch, also from Poland, and third place was awarded to Tauntianna Poland from Mahoning County High School.

Both received gift cards donated by Farmers National Bank.

Poland Seminary High School art teacher Tammi Johnson also was recognized for her ability to inspire the students.

The Mahoning County Juvenile Court Advisory Board will meet to begin planning the annual contest.

All county school students are eligible as per the age requirements and are encouraged to participate. Contest details and the 2015 theme will be announced via email and letters sent to district teachers in the early spring.