Correspondent photo / John Patrick Gatta Deborah Patchin, left, TCESC Governing Board, Brandie Yobe, Principal Hubbard High School, Raymond Soloman, Superintendent Hubbard Local Schools and Tom Krispinsky TCESC Governing Board pose with Eli Barr of Hubbard High School (middle) who received a Franklin B. Walter scholarship for $500 at the annual Trumbull County Schools Honors Breakfast at The Grand Resort.

By JOHN PATRICK GATTA

Correspondent

HOWLAND — While another overcast, sunless sky greeted the Mahoning Valley on Thursday morning, a roomful of graduating seniors was being supported for a bright future during the annual Trumbull County Schools Honors Breakfast at The Grand Resort.

The Trumbull County Educational Service Center, in partnership with the Trumbull County Superintendents Association, hosted the event, which celebrated the academic achievements of 89 honors students who represented all 20 Trumbull County public high schools.

While all were recognized for their hard work, dedication and academic excellence, a total of $16,500 in scholarships were awarded to 23 area students. Abby Grimm of Southington (Chalker) High School received a $2,500 scholarship from the Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Award while 19 others received $500 scholarships from Franklin B. Walter.

Adrianna Lutes of Lordstown High School and Sadie Mansfield of Bristol High School received $2,000 each from the Stanley L. and Grace A. Woofter Scholarship and Nathan Paolucci of Lakeview High School received $500 from the Trumbull County Superintendents’ Association Scholarship.

In his opening remarks TCESC Superintendent Bobby Marino congratulated the youth in attendance for their accomplishments and added, “You young people sitting in here are our future. You’ve invested a great deal of time and energy into your studies, into your personal lives and are well underway to what we hope is a promising collegiate career.”

In his introduction of keynote speaker Casey Malone (“The Casey Malone Show,” which highlights local businesses and events) Marino said, “I can’t think of a better ambassador for the Mahoning Valley, promoting all the great things that we have going on in this Valley.

“We hear a lot of negatives about this place we call home, and it takes all of us to change that narrative. Casey has done that masterfully.”

Malone’s speech continued that thought.

“I hope that you’ll always remain proud of where you came from because when you mention to somebody that you’re from the Mahoning Valley, believe me, you are one degree of separation from this person,” she said. “I don’t care where you go. You say you’re from Youngstown or you say you’re from Warren, everybody has a connection to this area, either family or friends or, somehow, in some crazy way, they know about our area.”

For inspiration she brought up a list of people who lived in the area and went on to great success in their careers — screenwriter/producer/director Chris Columbus (“Home Alone,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”), Paul Warfield (wide receiver with the Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins, inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame), the 25th president of the United States William McKinley, legendary lawyer Clarence Darrow. who was inducted into the Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame, Warren native Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters, Nirvana) and Dr. Amy Acton of Liberty, who is running for governor of Ohio after being the director of the Ohio Department of Health.

“You don’t need national acclaim to be a success story,” Malone said, “and I think all of you could be a success story no matter where you land. Stay here or if you go on, as long as you work for the betterment of the community where you reside, you will make a difference. We need more people to step up to do more.

“Regardless of whatever you’re going into, the possibilities are endless. There are countless ways — whatever profession you choose — that you can make a positive change. Volunteer. Support the causes that are important to you because there are so many organizations that need your help.”

Chalker’s Grimm received the Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Award, which was established to honor the top student in each of Ohio’s counties, for her work in and out of the classroom.

One student is nominated from each public school district for the Award. Then, a committee reviews the nominees and selects a winner based on academic achievement, community service and personal accomplishments.

“I have always been trying to be outgoing, trying to get myself out there and being able to get to this level has really put my work into perspective. I’m extremely grateful to be here today,” she said.

While accumulating 35 college credit hours through Kent State University since her sophomore year at Chalker, Grimm participated in four sports — cross country, basketball, softball and track — and did volunteer work with Beta Club and is the president of the National Honor Society.

Asked about the scholarships being handed out on Thursday, she said, “I’m extremely grateful for them. I know other people are, too. It’s definitely going to help me next year. All scholarships help.”

Grimm plans to study pre-allied health and pre-physical therapy at Baldwin Wallace University.

Lacie Lamm of Girard High School is weighing her options between an offer from the United States Naval Academy and Youngstown State University. She has already been accepted to YSU’s BaccMed Program , which has an accelerated pre-med curriculum with potential early assurance to Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) or Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). She received scholarships prior to the breakfast, including full tuition coverage at YSU.

“A lot of students in high school are not really presented with all of the options at the beginning. So, those who specifically work hard from freshman year, and they have that in their mind instead of starting at the beginning of senior year, are really being awarded today and honored,” Lamm said.

“We’ve all worked so hard — everybody in this room — for four years straight, and that discipline and the drive to do that and to earn a seat at these tables, it’s just an honor.”

Lamm added, “The scholarships wouldn’t happen without the generous people of our community. So, just thanking all of the people who are generous enough to give us these opportunities to excel and have opportunities later on in life.”

Joey Cappuzzello of McDonald High School said he’ll be pursuing a major in chemistry with a consideration toward pre-med or pre-dental at John Carroll University. He’ll also be a part of its cross country and track and field teams.

“It’s great for anyone to give scholarships to kids, especially if people are in need of money to help pay for college,” he said. “So, for this program to donate money to students to help them go on to college, pursue different careers and do different things is pretty amazing.”

Offering a reminder and encouragement to the young audience, Malone told them, “You need to really appreciate this area, your neighbors and friends, your teachers, your family, all the roots you have. Everybody wants you to succeed. We all want you to do better. You have already proved that you have the mettle to do all this. You are the top of your class. So, go for it.”