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Guest columnists

College isn’t for everyone, and that’s perfectly fine

As a high school student, deciding what comes next after graduation can be challenging. The natural choice is college for some, but it’s not always the best choice. College enrollment numbers from spring 2021 showed a decline of 3 percent from a year earlier, according to the National ...

Kids, parents need holiday break for mental health

As an elementary school counselor, I believe the holiday break couldn’t come at a better time. We have finished one of the most challenging semesters, thanks to all the issues related to COVID-19. Since the pandemic began in early 2020, school counselors have noted students feeling ...

What a ‘drug czar’ can do to end crisis

The United States has a new “Drug Czar.” Last month, Dr. Rahul Gupta was sworn in as the director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), following his Senate confirmation in October. His installation comes amid soaring drug-related deaths across the country — ...

Youngstown schools must raise expectations

It’s no secret that Youngstown’s school district has struggled to provide a first-rate education. State exam scores have consistently been among the lowest in Ohio. Its most recent report card indicates that just 12 percent of graduates go on to complete an associate degree or higher. ...

YSU must cut its costs now to secure its future

Much has been reported in recent days regarding Youngstown State University’s enrollment, academic offerings and budget. Here, we will provide context to help clarify actions that are being taken and why they are necessary for YSU’s long-term sustainability as an institution of opportunity ...

It’s time for Valley to reap potential of green industry

Appalachia is rich in resources that span physical and social realms. A rich natural environment, an intentional network of infrastructure and a ready workforce unique to each community, when we work together as a region, is the best way to revitalize and bring our economies into the 21st ...