17 Students Earn $10K Scholarships from DeBartolo Foundation

POLAND, Ohio – Who is the graduating senior whose scholarship includes the two-millionth dollar awarded by the Edward J. DeBartolo Memorial Scholarship Foundation?

There’s no way of knowing. But as 17 students were honored Wednesday, each receiving a $10,000 scholarship, the total tuition dollars awarded by mall developer Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. and the foundation his daughter continues in his memory now exceeds $2 million.

“I am so happy that I had his example and my mother’s example to keep me grounded, that I can do this every year, and see all these bright, happy faces,” said Denise DeBartolo York.

“It’s very heartfelt for me. … We look at the kids based on what they have done and what they want to do and how much we can help them. There’s been many success stories over the years. They’re all doing things on their own and many keep in touch with me,” she said.

The 17 students were selected from among 250 applicants.

“You are part of an esteemed group to be here today and be recognized,” said Bob Hannon, president of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley. “Obviously you made a great impression.”

Hannon was the emcee at the foundation’s annual luncheon for the scholarship recipients and their families, held this year at The Lake Club.

He recounted how DeBartolo York and her husband, Dr. John York, brought members of their San Francisco 49ers NFL team to Williamson Elementary School in Youngstown a few years back.

“We had some of the players there for 90 minutes or longer. …For those players to take the time, getting ready for an NFL game, to come to an elementary school to meet with those students… It was one of the best days I’ve had [during my] 15 years at United Way,” Hannon said. “If there’s a nonprofit in the community touching children, Denise and John are involved. And they do it in a very behind-the-scenes manner.”

Each scholarship recipient was introduced by John York, who announced where they would attend college and what each planned to study.

Of the 17 students, the most – five – are going to Ohio State University, followed by Youngstown State University (four) and Kent State University (three). Other colleges include Ohio University, University of Cincinnati, John Carroll University, Grove City College and the University of North Carolina.

Four students plan to study computer science. Three will focus on medical occupations, three on environmental and biological sciences, two on business. Other fields of study include engineering, criminal justice, finance and actuarial science.

“There are thousands of things to do this world,” York advised. “Take time to introduce yourself to other options.”

Zaiden Husk, a senior at Liberty High School, is hedging his options. While he states computer science is his first choice of major, he quickly adds, “and music.”

In addition to basic information, the DeBartolo Scholarship Foundation asks applicants to write about an inspirational teacher.

“I chose to write about my band director, Mr. Summers,” Husk said. “I’ve had him since fifth grade. He’s one of the reasons I fell in love with music, one of the reasons I’m majoring in music as well.”

Symone Sierra, a senior at Campbell Memorial High School, wrote about English teacher Colleen Josh.

“She really helped me throughout high school. I’ve had her since the 11th grade for honors English, and she’s really impacted my high school career.”

Sierra will be a freshman this fall at Kent State and plans to major in computer science. But she also wants to go to law school – she thinks. “If I don’t end up wanting to go through the whole law school process, I’ll still have a good major, computer science.”

Alaina Johnston, a senior at Columbiana High School, also is thinking about law school. But first she plans to major in business at Ohio State.

“One of my biggest role models in my aunt. She did business in college and now she works for a corporate law firm in Detroit,” Johnston said.

“All the teachers have inspired me,” she added. “I’ve had a great education and just want to make a good career for myself and a good life.”

The 17 students awarded DeBartolo Memorial Foundation scholarships were evaluated on grade transcripts, essays and recommendations from guidance counselors and principals. Winners were determined by academic achievement, community involvement and financial need.

In addition to Husk, Sierra and Johnston, the students and the schools they will graduate from are:

• Hailey Barrickman, Mathews High School;
• Christopher Cardierro, Girard High School;
• Ava Clayton, Mathews High School;
• Madison Dado, South Range High School;
• Lillian Ditz, Ursuline High School;
• Samantha Gainor, Salem High School;
• Francesca Gratica, Ursuline High School;
• Madison Jones, Western Reserve High School;
• MacKenzie Kelso, Boardman High School;
• Brooke Neilsen, South Range High School;
• John Perry, Howland High School;
• Ronni Swertfager, Girard High School;
• Riely Wilson, Canfield High School;
• Makenna Wheatley, Beaver Local High School.

Pictured at top: Denise and John York with the 17 recipients of the 2024 DeBartolo Memorial Foundation scholarships.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.