7 seniors get record-setting scholarships from DeBartolo foundation

BOARDMAN

Since suffering the loss of her father, Samantha LaRose has rededicated herself to helping others, being self-sufficient and using other means that she feels would have made him proud.

On Wednesday, LaRose added one more such achievement to her list: being one of the winners of a prestigious scholarship.

“I was completely surprised,” the Jackson-Milton High School senior said. “I cried and I was absolutely speechless.”

LaRose was one of seven area seniors who took home the awards during Wednesday’s annual Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. Memorial Scholarship Foundation luncheon at Antone’s Banquet Centre, 8578 Market St.

Denise DeBartolo York awarded scholarships totaling $63,000 to the seven students, who were among more than 300 applicants. Criteria included academic achievements, community participation and financial need.

The foundation has awarded more than $650,000 in scholarships over 18 years, and the $63,000 amount is the largest for a single year, noted Bob Hannon, president of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley and the luncheon’s master of ceremonies.

Read more about the event and the other recipients in Thursday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.