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JOINS 7 17 BOARD: Harrison Hochman, co-founder and CEO of Sparrow, has been named to 7 17 Credit Union's board of directors, the financial institution announced.

Hochman is recognized as one of Forbes' 30 Under 30 in the education category and named one of 11 young global leaders in STEM, environmental and societal sustainability by the Straubel Foundation. He has been acknowledged for his leadership and dedication to making education more accessible and affordable, the credit union said in a news release.

Hochman launched Sparrow, a financial technology platform, from his parents' backyard at 20 years old. Sparrow's newest product, Crest, is purpose-built to help credit unions and banks deepen member wallet share by automating personalized, multiproduct marketing journeys.

"7 17's passion for improving the lives of its members and supporting the communities it serves resonates with me, and I look forward to working with the board and management to expand the credit union's reach throughout," the Stanford University graduate said.

Paul Marshall, the credit union's board chairman, said Hochman combines academic excellence with real-world impact.

"His forward-thinking mindset and history of innovation in the financial industry align perfectly with our mission to deliver purposeful, people-first banking," he said.

ELLWOOD AWARDS $10,000: Brookfield High School senior Josh Schell received a $10,000 ELLWOOD Industrial Maintenance Scholarship to pursue a career as an electrical technician. Josh was honored earlier this month during the school's Signing Day event.

The scholarship was created to assist students pursuing a certificate or degree in mechatronics or an equivalent industrial maintenance program. This is a hands-on career focused on installing, maintaining and repairing electrical systems in homes, businesses and industrial settings.

Students in this field gain practical skills in wiring, troubleshooting and electrical safety, which prepares them for in-demand roles in a growing industry.

Josh will continue his education at Laurel Technical Institute.

The ELLWOOD Group is headquartered in Ellwood City, Pa., with a facility in Hubbard.

DESALVO SELECTED: DeSalvo Construction has been named the construction manager for the Trumbull Career & Technical Center's $6.4 million expansion project, a 15,000-square-foot addition set to enhance industrial training, career exploration and student mental health services.

A ceremonial groundbreaking was held this month to celebrate the beginning of the project, which is expected to be completed by fall 2026. The expansion is funded by a $5.2 million Appalachian Community Innovation Centers grant and a $2.5 million Career Technical Education Equipment grant.

The new facility will house advanced training areas for TCTC's recently introduced Industrial Technology program, along with interactive labs that allow elementary and middle school students to explore a range of career paths. The expansion also deepens the school's partnership with Cadence Care Network, making behavioral and mental health services more accessible to students and the community.

"This expansion is not just about bricks and mortar; it's about building pathways for students to thrive in high-demand industries and ensuring they have the support they need along the way," said Joe DeSalvo, president of DeSalvo Construction.

Founded in 1984, the company is based in Hubbard.

UNDER CHAMBER UMBRELLA: In a step toward boosting regional talent retention and workforce development, the Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber and Mahoning Valley Young Professionals have finalized their affiliation.

This alignment, approved by the Chamber's board of directors, brings MVYP under the Chamber's umbrella. The move will enable the launch of a new Young Professionals Ambassador Network which will help Chamber member companies recruit and retain young professionals, including matching college juniors and seniors with open seats at corporate tables during Chamber events to connect students directly with career opportunities.

"This is about investing in the next generation of leaders and positioning the Mahoning Valley as a place where young professionals can thrive," said Steven Weeden, MVYP's board president. "With the Chamber's resources, we're building something transformational."

The move also aligns with the Chamber's work to develop the local workforce and support employer needs -- especially within the 24-44 age demographic.

"Every growing community needs a strong, connected talent base," said Guy Coviello, Chamber president and CEO. "This affiliation is a strategic lever in making the Valley a magnet for talent and investment."

MVYP joins a lineup of Chamber affiliates, including the Warren Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Foundation, Warren Area Chamber of Commerce Education, Civic and Cultural Foundation and Lake to River Holding Company. 

HILLER CITED: The National Association of Realtors is honoring Roberta Hiller, CEO of the Youngstown Columbiana Association of Realtors, with the Realtor Association Certified Executive designation, which recognizes exceptional efforts made by its association executives.

Hiller is one of more than 540 association executives who have achieved this mark of excellence. Local and state association executives who hold the RCE designation represent Realtors in 48 states / territories.

"I am truly honored to be given this designation," Hiller said." I will be able to use my knowledge to advocate and support the right to homeownership in our area. Working towards this designation has been so rewarding and I am thrilled to continue to learn more for our community."

The YCAR is a local board for the Realtors in the Valley that provides agents with monthly education classes as well as resources for them. It is dedicated to promoting high standards of professionalism and integrity within the real estate industry. Through education, advocacy and community engagement, YCAR serves as a resource for real estate professionals and the communities they serve.

Hiller will receive an award plaque during an upcoming event.

DIVIDEND ANNOUNCED: First Niles Financial Inc., the parent company of Home Federal Savings and Loan Association of Niles, has announced a cash dividend of 6 cents per share on common stock and 7 cents per share on preferred class A stock for the second quarter of 2025.

The dividend will be payable June 20 to shareholders of record June 6.

Home Federal primarily serves the Niles area. At March 31, Home Federal exceeded all its applicable regulatory capital requirements, the company said. First Niles had $160.2 million in assets and $14.5 million in stockholders' equity as of March 31.

TRANSITION COMPLETE: WesBanco Inc., a diversified, multistate bank holding company, announced this month the successful customer transition of approximately 400,000 consumer and 50,000 business relationships, along with the branding and operations of approximately 70 financial centers from Premier Financial Corp. to WesBanco.

Former Premier financial centers in Northern Ohio, Southern Michigan and Northeastern Indiana reopened May 19 as WesBanco locations. With the completion of the conversion, WesBanco has more than 250 financial centers, as well as loan production offices, across nine states. WesBanco previously welcomed approximately 900 new employees as part of its acquisition of Premier.

WesBanco announced the intended acquisition of Premier Financial Corp. on July 26, 2024, and the merger was consummated Feb. 28, 2025, creating a regional financial services institution with more than $27 billion in assets, significant economies of scale and strong pro forma profitability metrics.

WesBanco is now one of the top 100 largest insured depository organizations in the United States and the eighth largest bank in Ohio, based on deposit market share.

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FIVE EXCEL: Four students in the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center's Computer Networking and Cybersecurity program have earned the CompTIA A+ certification, and one student has passed the CompTIA ITF+ certification.

Their work demonstrates exceptional technical knowledge and career readiness.

The students who earned their CompTIA A+ certification were senior Henry Grenzig; senior Ethan Wescovich; junior Cooper Terziu; and junior Ben Weber.

Additionally, Nick Diaz, a senior, earned his CompTIA ITF+ certification.

The CompTIA A+ certification is a globally recognized credential, verifying a technician's ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues related to networking, mobile devices, operating systems and security. It is widely regarded as the industry standard for entry-level IT professionals. The ITF+ certification serves as an introduction to basic IT knowledge and skills, covering foundational topics like databases, infrastructure, and software development.

"These certifications are typically pursued by adult learners or professionals already in the IT field," John Zehentbauer, MCCTC superintendent said. "To see high school students achieve this level of success is nothing short of extraordinary. They are not only excelling academically -- they are proving they're ready to compete in today's high-tech job market."

DELGARBINO SELECTED: Dawn Incorporated, a Warren-based construction company, and Youngstown State University have awarded the Scholarship for Future Construction Professionals to Noelle DelGarbino, a junior accounting major from Warren.

"I am incredibly honored to receive this internship opportunity and to work alongside such a talented group of professionals," DelGarbino said. "I deeply appreciate the faculty and staff at WCBA for their guidance and support throughout the process."

This professional development program includes a paid career-related internship, full tuition for two years and professional networking and mentoring opportunities. DelGarbino will gain hands-on experience, working full time during the summers and part time throughout the academic year in Dawn Incorporated's accounting department.

"YSU produces outstanding talent, and we are proud to support their students through this scholarship. Our goal is to give back to the community and help student interns thrive at Dawn Incorporated, with the hope that they will continue their careers here in the Mahoning Valley," said Dawn Ochman, president and CEO of Dawn Incorporated.

Dawn Incorporated initiated this program last year, selecting two engineering students for the Scholarship for Future Construction Professionals program. One recent graduate, Dillen Knowles, has accepted full-time employment with Dawn Incorporated as a project engineer.

FARMERS ADDS TO STAFF: Farmers Trust Co. recently hired Jami Bishop as vice president, personal trust administrator. She will be based out of the Howland Trust location.

Bishop brings to Farmers more than 20 years of experience in private practice law. She most recently served as magistrate for the Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas, General Division.

"Jami is an excellent addition to our Howland Trust team, and will serve the community well with her knowledge and expertise in estate planning, probate, and real estate," said Dave Dastoli, president of Farmers Trust Co.

Bishop is a graduate of Ohio University and the University of Akron School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor in 2003. She continued her education at the University of Akron and graduated in 2004 with a Master of Taxation degree.

Bishop is the chair for OCLRE Trumbull County District Mock Trial, an instructor for the Trumbull County Bar Association Trumbull County Law Library Association.

FASTSIGNS ACQUISITION: FASTSIGNS of Youngstown-Boardman, located at 7340 Market St., Boardman, has been acquired by Patrick Burgan and Frank Babbaro, owners of PRF Signworks LTD.

Burgan and Babbaro's portfolio of businesses includes Burgan Real Estate, Market Title Agency, Offerwell, Tre Fratelli Trucking and Allegiant Health Care.

"I bought FASTSIGNS because I wanted to flex my creativity. I've been drawn to marketing and design from a young age," Burgan said. "Coming from the real estate industry, I have seen firsthand the impact a sign can make selling a home and the impact it can have on a business."

Burgan said he is thrilled that the entire staff of FASTSIGNS stayed on, making for an easy transition while continuing to deliver the same quality and speed customers have come to expect.

FASTSIGNS of Youngstown-Boardman opened in late 1999.

INTERNSHIPS AWARDED: Twelve Williamson College of Business Administration students have been selected to participate in the third year of the Ohio Procurement Internship Program at Youngstown State University.

Students selected for this competitive program completed specialized coursework in government contracting this spring semester and have been matched with an Ohio company for a full-time, paid summer internship. Internship projects include procurement compliance, market research, market expansion and government sales strategy plans. The program, created by the APEX Accelerator and the Ohio Department of Development, provides an opportunity for businesses interested in expanding their government contracting activities to leverage the skills and knowledge of specially trained college students.

This year's participants are Aidan Gray, Pittsburgh, senior, Supply Chain Management; Cecil Fidram IV, junior, Business Administration major and Marketing minor; Edward McGlone, Canfield, junior, Marketing major and Professional Selling minor; Fatima Mohamed, senior, International Business major;

Jenae Brown, Youngstown, senior, International Business and Philosophy major and Psychology of Mental Health minor; Jolena Windsor, junior, Business Administration major; Kanya Bonner, Akron, junior, Accounting major; Krish Patel, Finance major and Computer Science minor;

Logan Burggraf, sophomore, Business Administration major; Quentin Pew, junior, Business Analytics and Enterprise Resource Planning certifications; Stephen Zaucha, Electrical Engineering Technology major and Business minor; and Yolimar Gonzalez Melendez, junior, Social Work and Business Administration majors.

HUNTINGTON COMMITMENT: Huntington Bank has renewed its $45,000 commitment to Lake to River Economic Development. The action reinforces its support for job creation, business growth and regional revitalization across Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties.

The investment continues Huntington's role as a key private partner of Lake to River, which serves as the region's lead economic development agency and a network partner of JobsOhio.

"At Huntington, we believe strong communities are built through long-term relationships with partners who are committed to looking out for people, and this renewed investment in Lake to River reflects that belief," said Sam Huston, Market President at Huntington Bank. "Lake to River is doing the behind-the-scenes work that drives real economic outcome -- jobs, new businesses and regional momentum -- and we feel it's important to be part of that effort."

Michael McGiffin, Lake to River's vice president of Engagement and Investor Relations, emphasized the importance of long-term private partnerships.

"We're grateful to Huntington for recognizing that economic development is a worthwhile investment year after year," McGiffin said. "This renewed support helps sustain our mission, and we hope other businesses will follow Huntington's example, as private sector contributions are essential for maintaining our capacity to help companies grow and expand in the Mahoning Valley."

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HEINTZELMAN HONORED: Dr. Alex Heintzelman, associate professor of Family and Community Medicine at NEOMED and associate program director of family medicine at Mercy Health-St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital, has been named the 2025 NEOMED faculty recipient of the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award presented by The Arnold P. Gold Foundation.

This national award recognizes faculty members who are exemplars and mentors of humanism in the care of patients and families. Honorees are selected for their dedication to kind, safe, trustworthy care. Those recognized with this award are also inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society, a program of the nonprofit Gold Foundation.

"Dr. Heintzelman brings a thoughtful, patient-centered approach to both his clinical work and his teaching," said Dr. Jim Kravec, chief clinical officer, Mercy Health-Lorain and Youngstown, and system medical director of Graduate Medical Education at Bon Secours Mercy Health. "He's a valued mentor to our residents, and this award underscores his commitment to preparing future family medicine physicians to care for Mahoning Valley patients and families for decades to come."

Heintzelman was selected by students in the College of Medicine for his unwavering commitment to the principles of humanism in clinical practice and medical education. As a physician and educator, he is known for fostering meaningful relationships with his patients and serving as a compassionate role model for future health care providers. Heintzelman received the award and delivered the keynote address during NEOMED's Virtuous Healer Honor Society induction ceremony, which was held in March.

eXpo AT EASTWOOD: The Youngstown Business Incubator will present its inaugural Advanced Manufacturing User eXpo from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday at the Eastwood Event Centre in Niles.

This event brings together leading minds in advanced manufacturing, defense, aerospace and emerging tech to explore how innovation is transforming the industrial landscape.

AMUX 2025 will feature expert-led panels, hands-on product demonstrations and curated networking opportunities.

Topics include Industrial Internet of Things; additive manufacturing with polymers; 3D-printed sand core applications; SBIR / STTR funding and R&D programs; and the launch of the Youngstown Innovation Hub for Defense and Aerospace.

The event will showcase cutting-edge equipment, startup technologies and regional success stories. Attendees will also have access to representatives from federal research initiatives and capital resource providers to explore funding and partnership opportunities.

Tickets are available for $25 and include full event access, lunch and an open networking reception at the end of the day.

For more information, tickets or sponsorship inquiries, visit www.ybi.org/amux.

FRANCHISE AWARDED: Appell Striping, a leader in professional pavement maintenance and line striping services, has announced its company's expansion.

The new location is being launched by Valley residents Liam Wickwire and Ryan Clawson. Wickwire, a Canfield native who earned his economics degree from Duquesne University, brings a background in new home construction sales. Clawson, a Youngstown native, worked his way up in the automotive industry before overcoming a life-altering diagnosis that left him forced to relearn to walk and talk. The pair connected through family and business ties, researched multiple franchise opportunities and were drawn to Appell for its opportunity and growth potential.

With a focus on aesthetics and functionality, Appell ensures that parking lots leave a lasting impression on customers visiting a business. Appell Striping's commitment to quality and efficiency makes it the go-to provider for huge national brands, including the largest coffee and fast-food restaurants in the United States.

"Liam and Ryan are a perfect fit for Appell, and we're thrilled to have them bring Appell Striping to Ohio and see them grow," said Bryan Appell, co-founder of Appell Striping. "Liam's drive, energy and commitment as a young entrepreneur, paired with Ryan's resilience, determination and leadership create a strong foundation, made even stronger by their deep ties to the community."

NAMED TO INTERN PROGRAM: The Ohio Export Internship Program, created by the Ohio Department of Development and offered at Youngstown State University since 2014, provides professional preparation for students to develop the knowledge and skills to help companies expand their exporting activities and supports businesses by providing skilled and knowledgeable interns.

All students in the 2025 cohort earned six industry specialized badges: Export Documentation, Incoterms 2020, Duty Drawback, International Terms of Payment and Export Compliance. If a student passes all five main topics, they will receive the sixth badge, Mastery in Export-Global Supply Chain.

This year's participants are:

Batool Alkarain, from Palestine and born in Jordan, is a senior majoring in international business; Cara Mia Battaglia, a junior majoring in marketing and a minor in international business; Moritz Bayer, from Vienna, Austria, is a junior majoring in finance-financial management track; Andrew Cvetkovic, who is majoring in business analytics and economics, along with a second major in philosophy;

Hannah Egli, from Homeworth, is a second-year student majoring in marketing; Amber Henriquez is majoring in business analytics and economics with a minor in finance; Gretchen George, from Austintown, is a third-year student majoring in supply chain management; Maria Insana is majoring in business administration with a double minor in marketing and nutrition and health;

Sara Sahagun is a third-year student majoring in international business; Andrew Seaman is majoring in business administration with a minor in finance; James Slessor, a third-year student from Auckland, New Zealand, is majoring in supply chain management with a double minor in international business and professional selling, along with certificates in enterprise resource planning and leadership;

Alyssa Sugar is a junior from Struthers, majoring in supply chain management; and Nicolas Velez is majoring in international business with a minor in entrepreneurship and a certificate in supply chain management.

CITY MACHINE CITED: The Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber of Commerce's Mahoning Valley Safety Council, in partnership with City Machine Technologies Inc., has announced ClarkDietrich Building Systems as the recipient of the 2025 Joan Kovach Safety Leadership Award.

Named in memory of Joan Kovach, co-founder of City Machine Technologies Inc., the award recognizes a company that demonstrates exceptional commitment to safety training, operations, funding and communications. This prestigious honor is awarded annually to a standout organization in Trumbull, Mahoning or Columbiana counties.

ClarkDietrich Building Systems, the largest manufacturer of cold-formed steel framing in North America, operates facilities in Vienna and Warren. The company exemplifies safety leadership through extensive new-hire training, monthly safety committee meetings, near-miss reporting and creative initiatives such as a companywide "Safety Dojo" and a family-engaged safety calendar. These programs and investments, including more than $500,000 allocated for new safety equipment, illustrate the company's dedication to protecting its workforce.

"ClarkDietrich has always strived to be a leader in every aspect of our business, including safety. Our team at the Vienna, Ohio, plant prides itself on providing a safe work environment for not only our employees, but for everyone who walks into our facility," said Kenneth VonBergen, safety manager. "ClarkDietrich is always striving to improve safety and we invest large amounts of capital each year to do so. We have several projects that we are currently working on to help reduce/eliminate risks and increase hazard awareness on the production floor."

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FARMERS PROMOTION ANNOUNCED: Farmers National Insurance, Farmers National Bank's wholly-owned insurance agency subsidiary, has named Matt Parise as its president.

In this role, Parise will lead the insurance strategy for Farmers. This includes retention and expansion of existing business as well as the acquisition of new business. Parise and his team will continue to work closely with internal business partners to provide protection of its customer's business and personal assets as well as delivering group and individual health insurance.

Farmers National Insurance was founded in 2008 and grew to acquire The Bowers Group in June of 2016 and Champion Insurance in July of 2022. Parise began his career in the insurance industry upon joining Bowers in 2004. He was preceded as president by Ben Bowers, who retired in the fourth quarter of 2024.

"We are thrilled to appoint Matt to this role. With his deep experience, proven leadership, and dedication to the mission of Farmers, Matt is uniquely positioned to drive this division forward and continue delivering exceptional value to our clients," says Mark Wenick, senior executive vice president and chief wealth management officer.

STUDENTS PRESENT RESEARCH: Three Youngstown State University students recently took center stage at the Ohio Space Grant Consortium Student Research Symposium to showcase their research projects.

Avinab De, Collin Richards and George Kerg, members of YSU's Sokolov Honors College and active researchers in STEM disciplines were selected to represent the University at the conference, which gathered top students from institutions across Ohio including Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve and Bowling Green State University, among many others. "Being able to present my research on a NASA-affiliated platform was really cool," said De, a graduating senior biology major who will begin medical school at Northeast Ohio Medical University this July.

His project focused on engineering metal-resistant bacteria that fluoresce under UV light -- a potentially groundbreaking biosensor that could simplify mercury concentration detection.

Richards, a junior chemical engineering major from Hermitage, Pa., presented his work on designing flexible microheaters using laser-induced graphene -- a promising step toward wearable therapeutic devices that could release medication for topical wounds on demand.

Kerg, a graduating senior double-majoring in chemistry and Spanish, is preparing to pursue a Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry at the University of Houston. His research examined metal-organic frameworks and their potential for absorbing precious metals, a study with promising applications in environmental and industrial fields.

TROYER APPOINTMENT: Farmers National Bank has announced the appointment of Justin Troyer to market president of its Ohio West region.

Troyer has been with Farmers since 2014 and has served in several roles including branch manager, mortgage loan officer and most recently commercial banking team leader. He will continue his role as commercial banking team leader where he works with business customers on their financing and deposit needs and leads a team of commercial lenders. As market president, he will also represent Farmers as a local leader.

"As Farmers has experienced continued growth, the position of market president allows each market to benefit from local leaders who understand the niches and nuances of the communities they serve," says William Shivers, chief commercial lending officer. "With Justin's experience and relationships in Wayne County, he is the perfect fit for this position."

GOODWILL COMMITTEE: Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries launched its first Assembly for Workforce Solutions Steering Committee meeting, an initia tive born from the findings of a regional Community Needs Assessment conducted in partnership with the Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber.

The committee brings together cross-sector partners committed to working collaboratively to address critical barriers to workforce participation in the Mahoning Valley, including access to reliable transportation, behavioral health services, and affordable childcare. These challenges, identified through extensive community input and data analysis, impact not only individuals seeking employment, but the overall vitality and well-being of the region, too.

"It's rare to gather 20 people in a room and find each one shares motivation and inspiration to truly make our Valley a better place to live, work and play, but that's exactly what happened at the first steering committee meeting," said Brenda Linert, the Chamber's director of community impact.

In response to the assessment's findings, Goodwill also created a new leadership position -- community solutions director -- which has been filled by Carol Holmes-Chambers and is a role dedicated to facilitating and advancing the strategies generated by the committee.

The committee will meet regularly to develop strategies, foster partnerships, and advance initiatives that create more accessible and supportive environments for individuals navigating the workforce.

BURGAN HONORS KIBREAB: Youngstown State University student Nabayt Kibreab has received this year's John Burgan Entrepreneurship Award from Burgan Real Estate.

The $2,400 award was donated by Patrick Burgan in honor of his father, John Burgan. Started in 2020, it was established for YSU Williamson College of Business Administration students who believed they had a great idea for a new business. Kibreab, a senior with a dual major in economics and science, was awarded the cash prize for her plan to support the expansion of her business, Velora, an AI-driven software offering an app specializing in stock market predictions and education for those looking to get into trading.

"While we were impressed by all the entries, Nabayt clearly separated herself with her creativity, research and plan for an AI-powered stock market predictor," said Patrick Burgan, co-broker and second-generation owner of Burgan Real Estate.

Kibreab, who is originally from Ethiopia and came to the United States three years ago to attend YSU, originally used this concept to satisfy her senior capstone project. However, she soon realized the potential of this idea and began focusing on this as a viable business idea. Her persistence and dedication to the idea not only enabled her to be recognized as this year's John Burgan Entrepreneurship Award winner but also earned her 1st place in YSU's annual Penguin Shark Tank competition.

Kibreab is on track to graduate in May 2026 from YSU.

LEADERSHIP AWARDS: Fourteen Williamson College of Business Administration students received the Spring 2025 WCBA Senior Leadership Awards. The award is based on students' academic performance, leadership activities and demonstrated commitment to their professional development.

The Lariccia School of Accounting and Finance selected the following award recipients:

Kabir Abdullahi, an accounting major from Lagos, Nigeria; Emily Basista, an accounting major from Struthers; Michael Cicchillo, an accounting major from Youngstown; Grace Economus, an accounting major from from Poland; Dimetrius Harris, a financial management major from North Canton; and Theodore Ovaska, an economics major from Youngstown.

The Department of Marketing and Management selected the following award recipients: Lili Minich, a business aAdministration major from Frankfurt, Germany; Elizabeth Saur, a business administration major from Grove City, Ohio; Caleb Sturgeon, a business administration major from Beloit; Nathaniel Lewins, a marketing major from Concord Township; and Kaylei Shaffer, a marketing major from Struthers.

The Department of Communication selected the following award recipients: Teegan Graff, a communication major from Poland; Teziah Howard, a journalism major from Baltimore; and Abigail Gutowski, a multimedia communication major from Summerfield.