43
Canfield sophomore's scribbles made 106-page published masterpiece
CANFIELD
Canfield High School student Vince Patierno turned what was once legal-pad notes into a published book at the young age of 15.
He said his goal is to help others feel fulfilled in their lives.
When he began in May of this year, Patierno said he had never drafted such a lengthy piece before, but it grew to fill up a few thick yellow pads of lined paper, leading ultimately to a 106-page work.
The words spoke to him, of him and about him in his nonfiction book “The Day to Day Revelation.” It is published by Lulu Enterprises and is available at www.lulu.com/spotlight/vincentpatierno.
It focuses on current events and how Patierno relates them not only to his life, but to “humanity” as well.
“People don’t communicate like they used to,” he said. “I liked pointing out what’s wrong in our world. You just start out small to see how you can cause an effect and end up making a big difference.”
At just 15, Vince believed his vision provided unique insight to the challenges people face.
“You’re never too young to share a story with others, and you never know who you’re going to inspire,” he said.
Superintendent Alex Geordan said Patierno is an outstanding example of the successful students who walk the halls of Canfield schools.
“We have the pleasure, and we are blessed to work with these creative students on a daily basis,” he said.
JoAnna Stillwagon, Canfield High School English teacher, taught Patierno during his freshman year.
She said he exhibits “such passion” in his work and has so much promise evident in his writing interest.
“He was one of my finest students,” Stillwagon said. “His energy and passion for writing has grown beyond the classroom, and I cannot be happier for him. The memoir he has written is a true testament to the dedicated person he is within his academic and personal life.”
Personally, authoring “The Day to Day Revelation” provided not only an opportunity for Patierno to express himself, but also an opportunity to learn.
Someone he learned the most from was his mother, Angela VanOudenhove.
“She shaped me the most,” he said. “I never sat at the kid’s table, and she never treated me like a child. It helped me understand the world.”
With the support of his mother and stepfather, John VanOudenhove, Patierno said he hopes to move to New York and pursue a career in journalism.