YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – High school students from across the Mahoning Valley participated in the Sokolov Honors College annual Summer Honors Institute at Youngstown State University.

Throughout the week of experiential learning, participants explored interdisciplinary topics through faculty-led seminars.

Courses encouraged students to actively engage in learning, think critically, collaborate with peers and explore ideas beyond the traditional high school classroom. 

Faculty members from across the university shared their expertise while providing students with a glimpse of the learning opportunities available through the Sokolov Honors College.

In addition to academic coursework, students participated in enrichment activities. Lunch featured sessions on leadership and campus resources. Students also participated in the Y and Kind Initiative by writing thank-you cards recognizing individuals who have positively impacted their lives, reinforcing the importance of gratitude, service and community.

SHI culminated in a closing celebration for students and the family members they invited to attend. Students in the Inside the Institute course played a central role in documenting SHI. Participants interviewed classmates, faculty and staff before writing news stories highlighting the institute’s many experiences. They also collaborated to produce the program for the closing celebration and created a scrolling photo presentation featuring classmates that was shown during the event. 

Other classes presented their work in areas such as 3D printing, tabletop role-playing game development, graphic design and healthy movement strategies. Acting and choir classes entertained the audience with performances developed during the four-day program.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of the Summer Honors Institute is watching students discover new strengths and interests while building connections with peers who share their sense of curiosity,” said Mollie Hartup, SHI organizer and faculty member. “In just one week, students gain confidence, explore new academic possibilities and begin to see themselves as future college learners and leaders.”

Beyond the classroom, students developed connections with peers from schools across the region while experiencing a taste of campus life.

The 2026 SHI class included:

  • Violet Anderson, Emilee Knisley, Marlee Leach and Chloe Mayfield, Austintown Fitch High School.
  • Vasilija Crnjak, Reese Murray, Chloe Smith, Coraline Wakefield, Elena Wakefield and Meredith Wakefield, Boardman High School.
  • Madison Howard, Poland Seminary High School.
  • Anastasia Hull, Harlow Hymes and Aviana Li, Ursuline High School.
  • Pierce Kearns, Miles Mihalik and Abigail Riblet, Canfield High School.
  • Nina LaRocca, Cardinal Mooney High School.
  • Radley Wills, Weathersfield High School.

The Summer Honors Institute will return in 2027.