Welcome to the Business Journal Archives
Search for articles below, or continue to the all new BusinessJournalDaily.com now.
Search
DeBartolo Foundation Awards $56,000 to Students
BOARDMAN, Ohio – Eight area graduating high school seniors were honored Monday as Denise DeBartolo York and her husband, John York, presented each with a $7,000 college scholarship from the Edward J. DeBartolo Memorial Scholarship Foundation.
It was the 15th year for the annual event, which this year introduced the Donald P. Pipino Memorial Award to honor Pipino, and the “generosity” of his estate's contribution to the foundation’s endowment, said DeBartolo York.
Pipino joined with the late Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. many years ago to establish the Italian Scholarship League, which became the DeBartolo Memorial Scholarship Foundation upon DeBartolo’s death. Pipino, a well known insurance executive, died last year.
The DeBartolo scholarship program differs from others because it’s not based solely on grades, said John York, but instead takes into consideration challenges the students faced and their dedication to community service. “Denise is very interested in making sure that kids who had a hard way during their high school years get an opportunity because they are the ones who fall through the cracks and are not the ones at the top of everyone’s list,” he said.
“I’ve read your essays and I know your stories,” DeBartolo York told the scholarship winners.
“Your stories are sad and difficult but they’re also beautiful because I know how they’re going to end,” she said, with the students achieving their dreams and always striving to help others.
The Edward J. DeBartolo Memorial Scholarship Foundation has awarded more than $500,000 over the past 15 years. The foundation is supported by business and civic leaders who are joined by sports celebrities and members of the San Francisco 49ers at an annual dinner and auction. This year’s event takes place June 25 at Leo’s Ristorante in Howland.
More than 400 applications were received by the foundation, which included grade transcripts, student essays, financial information and recommendations from guidance counselors and principals.
This year’s scholarship recipients are Jessica Fox, Mineral Ridge High School; Nilyshia Johnson, Chaney High School; Sara Lopez, Salem High School; Diane Moody, Lakeview High School; Carmen Moradian, Boardman High School; Dana Nocera, John F. Kennedy High School; and Aaron Page, West Branch High School. The Donald P. Pipino Memorial Award recipient is Brian Boccieri, Jr., Girard High School.
Here is a summary of their accomplishments as provided by the DeBartolo Foundation:
Jessica Fox – Mineral Ridge High School
Jessica Fox plans to take the path of pre-medical studies at the University of Pittsburgh after her graduation from Mineral Ridge High School. She maintains a 3.909 GPA while working a part-time job and participating in cheerleading, dance, National Honor Society and Beta Club. Jessica’s guidance counselor writes, “She is definitely a leader. Jessica will be an asset to campus life and will strive academically to reach her goals.”
Nilyshia Johnson - Chaney High School
Nilyshia Johnson plans to earn a degree in nursing and also in communications at Youngstown State University after her graduation from Chaney High School. She maintains a 3.4 GPA while working a part-time job and participating in her school’s creative writing club, yearbook and spending many hours tutoring younger students. In her essay, Nilyshia writes, “I hope to help many people in my community and make a positive impact on those around me. I will strive to soar academically and civically.”
Sara Lopez – Salem High School
Sara Lopez plans to earn a degree in exercise science at Columbus State Community College after her graduation from Salem High School. She maintains a 3.7 GPA while holding two part-time jobs, participating in Key Club, Ski Club, TACT, project support and competing for her school’s soccer team. Her guidance counselor writes, “Sara’s dedication and drive are unmatched in the senior class. Her attitude towards her future is continuously positive. Without a doubt, Sara will be successful in her future endeavors.”
Diane Moody - Lakeview High School
Diane Moody plans to earn a degree in anthropology at Youngstown State University after her graduation from Lakeview High School. She maintains a 2.88 GPA while working a part-time job and participating in various church and school volunteer organizations, including Bulldog Buddies, Second Harvest Food Bank and the Warren Mission. Her counselor writes, “Diane is an outstanding young person . . . I have never had a young lady perform so admirably and express a positive attitude who has also experienced such adversity in her life.”
Carmen Moradian - Boardman High School
Carmen Moradian plans to take the path of pre-medical studies at Youngstown State University after her graduation from Boardman High School. She maintains a 3.96 GPA while competing for her school’s track and cross country teams and participating in the French club, band, orchestra, SADD and medical careers club. Her counselor writes, “she is a fine young women of impeccable character, extremely mature and responsible. She is a role model in every way. She is destined for college success.”
Dana Nocera – John F. Kennedy High School
Dana Nocera plans to earn a degree in engineering from Miami of Ohio University after her graduation from John F. Kennedy High School. She maintains a 4.28 GPA while working a part-time job and competing for her school’s tennis, track, basketball and cheerleading teams. Dana is also a member of the student government, National Honor Society, key club, science club, Spanish club, and yearbook staff. In her essay, Dana writes, “To be successful, one must receive the best education. College is the key to success.”
Aaron Page – West Branch High School
Aaron Page plans to earn a degree in psychology from Ohio Valley University after his graduation from West Branch High School. He maintains a 3.49 GPA while working a part-time job, participating in many extracurricular activities, including football, wrestling, National Honor Society, foreign language club and freshman mentor. Aaron’s counselor writes, “Aaron is quiet, but determined to make something of his life. He wants to go into teaching so he can help other kids. Aaron is a very deserving student.”
Brian J. Boccieri, Jr. – Girard High School; Recipient of the Donald P. Pipino Memorial Award
Brian Boccieri plans to earn a degree in physical therapy at Cleveland State University after his graduation from Girard High School. He maintains a 3.389 GPA while working a part- time job and participating in several extracurricular activities including National Honor Society, Beta Club, track and field and Key Club. His guidance counselor writes, “Brian has been one of the most dedicated students… He is a role model for other young students and has been a pleasure to work with.”
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.