A Banner Day for Boardman Student at Fair Housing Celebration

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Youngstown Columbiana Association of Realtors used a $7,500 grant from the National Association of Realtors to host a fair housing celebration Tuesday.

As part of the celebration, which took place in YCAR’s parking lot at 5405 Market St., the organization presented a $100 prize to Dimitra Coutris, a student at Boardman High School who created the winning banner in a fair housing design competition. The banner will hang on YCAR’s building throughout April, which is Fair Housing Month.

The organization also presented a $3,500 check to Boardman Local Schools for the purchase of iPads and thumb drives to help art students create digital artwork and media.

In February, Julie Larson, chief executive officer of YCAR, gave an educational presentation to art students at Boardman High School. She discussed fair housing, the importance of the Fair Housing Act and the role Realtors have in supporting fair housing. 

The students were invited to participate in the fair housing banner design competition, and YCAR received more than 45 student designs.

“Realtors recognize the significance of the Fair Housing Act and reaffirm our commitment to upholding these laws and to offering fair, equitable service to every American in their search for homes and property,” said Michael Stevens, YCAR president.

Information about the National Association of Realtors’ Fair Housing Grant program is available HERE.

Pictured at top: Michael Stevens, YCAR president; Dimitra Coutris, winner of the fair housing banner design competition; and Julie Larson, chief executive officer of YCAR.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.