Steubenville High honors university scholars

SCHOLARS BREAKFAST — Steubenville High School recognized some of its best and brightest during the annual University Scholars Breakfast May 21. There were 52 students who were joined by their families, educators and school board members for this special celebration.
— Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Steubenville High School celebrated seniors during its annual University Scholars Breakfast May 21.

Approximately 200 people gathered in the Crimson Commons to recognize 52 honor students, including the school’s Top 10 and university scholars. The student-led program began with a welcome by Madalynn Criss, who thanked everyone for being such a positive influence in the students’ lives.

“Somewhere along the way you influenced our lives for the better,” Criss said. “Without your hard work and dedication, our success and accomplishments would not be possible. As as class, we were determined to leave a positive mark on Steubenville Big Red. We worked tirelessly to balance academics, extracurricular activities, community service and our personal lives.”

As a result, she said the class earned 80 Ohio Honor Diplomas, 52 associate of art degrees from Eastern Gateway Community College and donated more than 10,000 hours of community service.

“We will continue our quest to make Steubenville proud, as 100 percent of us continue our journey to be successful citizens of this community,” she concluded.

Tiarra Williams introduced special guests, including school board members and administrators, thanking them for their unwaivering support.

“I stand here with great pride knowing I will become a Steubenville High School alumni,” Williams stated. “I received a first-class education from the Steubenville City School District. I will begin my journey with an associate of art degree from Eastern Gateway Community College. This would not be possible without our board of education.” She recognized school board President Tom Timmons, Vice President Ruth Anne Bruzzese and members Greg Agresta, Matt Davis, William Hendricks and Robert Lamantia, who received tokens of appreciation.

She then lauded Sarah Fletcher and Patrick Carbon for their dedication to the College Credit Plus program. She noted her appreciation to Superintendent Melinda Young, SHS Principal Ted Gorman, high school assistant principals Aaron Newman and Deanna Beall, Harding Middle School Principal Bryan Mills, HMS assistant principals Jen Agresta and Ciarra Jones, Wells Academy Principal Tommy Kotsanis, Pugliese West Elementary Principal Lynette Gorman, McKinley STEM Academy Principal Donnie Reeves, East Garfield Elementary Principal Tricia Saccoccia, SHS Guidance Counselor Adele Filtz, district Director of Gifted Education Jackie Reeves and Guidance Secretary Karen Olesky. Williams further spotlighted the class’s favorite teachers and staff members, which included John Abram, Justin Banks, Julie Battistel, Deanna Beall, Joe Biasi, M.J. Burkett, Natalie Campana, Jessica Cheslar, Jessie Clark, Justin Davis, Heather Davis, Ross Ivkovich, Cierra Jones, Eliza Kelley, Anthony Kinyo, Scott Lane, Diane Mankowski, Jacqueline Meek, Cheryl Metcalf, Emily Miller, Miranda Moray, Michele Moss, Sara Nocera, Dina Rosnick, Ron Salvino, Joe Smarrella, Angela Staffilino, Rosalind Thacker, Alan Thompson, Wendy Tucker and Scott Wolodkin.

“Thank you for inspiring us to be the best of the best,” Williams concluded. “You have instilled a passion for Steubenville City Schools into us. Thank you for pushing us and giving us 110 percent every day.”

Sarah Allen led the invocation, which was followed by the breakfast. Sabria Jones introduced a special guest, her mother, Glenda Jones. Glenda presented remarks as the parent representative. Jones, a SHS alumna and graduate of Walsh University, holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology. She has worked at the Jefferson County Department of Job and Family Services for 32 years and currently serves as program administrator for the children’s services division and the McCullough Children’s Home.

“You are an amazing group of young people,” Jones said. “Take advantage of the opportunities you receive. We, as your parents and teachers, are very proud of you.” She offered motherly advice, such as saying prayers, doing what’s right when nobody is watching, asking questions and calling home.

Maleea Crownover also offered some encouraging words for the future, followed by Christian Hoffman giving a thank-you speech.

“To my fellow classmates, as we stand on the threshold of the future, let us embrace the endless possibilities that await us with open arms and eager harts,” Crownover said. “For each of us has embarked on a unique journey, filled with success, challenges and moments of self-discovery. Now, as we take this pivotal step into the next chapter of our lives, let us carry with us the lessons we have learned and the memories we have created.”

“To the Class of 2024, congratulations,” Hoffman said. “Over the past years, we’ve not only grown academically but also personally. “We’ve tackled challenging projects, excelled in sports, performed in art and music and contributed to our community.” He recognized influential teachers who have guided the class and imparted their knowledge, thanking them for serving as role models.

University scholars were introduced by Valedictorian Liam O’Brien, Salutatorian Jorja Anderson and Ari Bowman. Among the scholars were Top 10 students Criss, Williams, Allen, Jones, Crownover, Hoffman, O’Brien, Anderson, Bowman and Gia Bowman.

Remaining university scholars included Trinity Allen, Kami Anthony, Julia Arlesic, Addyson Banks, Gabriella Becker, Mya Bonecutter, Braydon Book, Kaymen Brown, Ashley Cochrane, Addison Connor, Madison Cooper, Lawrence Daniels, Kylee Dennis, Kayleigh Desrocher, Nya Dunburg-Ingram, Jordan Fritz-Ratcliff, Richard George, Juliana Gresko, Josiah Hopple, Jace Kernahan, Layla Lombardo, Isabella Loy, Aydan Manning, Ryan Manning, Emma McFarland, Jordan Miller, Tey’Jah Montgomery, Connor Morris, Isaac Morris, Raegan Murison, Carmen Nocera, Nicholas Nurczyk, Brandon Reese, Devon Renforth, Ciarra Rossi, Alisandra Sagun, Jayda Stinson, Isabella Thompson, Ashley Toothman, Dezirae Ware, Brianne Wells, Alyssa Wineman, Breanna Wineman and Austin Zgurski.