NILES — The 58th annual Niles Interfaith Banquet honored five local youth with scholarships for their church involvement at area churches and in the community.

The Thomas Murphy Youth Memorial Scholarship was presented April 27 at Ciminero’s Banquet Centre in Niles to Ryan Lanham, Abbey Lehman, Dominic Ryan, Nicolas Ryan and Gage Sedoris.

• Lanham, a student at Niles McKinley High School and member of St. Pope John XXIII (St. Stephen Parish, Niles) has been an altar server and volunteered at summer festivals. He will attend Ohio University.

• Lehman, a student at Niles McKinley High School and St. Pope John XXIII (St. Stephen Parish, Niles), has been involved with community activities such as food drives and gift wrapping. She will attend the University of Akron.

• Dominic Ryan, a student at John F. Kennedy High School and member of St. Pope John XXIII (Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Niles), helps with meals at St. Vincent de Paul, prepares food for church festivals and cleans churches. He will attend Youngstown State University.

• Nicolas Ryan, a student at John F. Kennedy High School and a member of St. Pope John XXIII (Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Niles), started a bible study group at school, volunteers at St. Vincent de Paul and Catholic Charities, and cleans churches. He will attend Marietta University.

• Sedoris, a student at Ursuline High School and a member of St. Pope John XXIII (St. Stephen Parish, Niles), helped with dinners at the United Way and packed hygiene bags for the homeless. He will attend the University of Cincinnati.

The five seniors received a monetary donation from the Interfaith Banquet committee, $50 each from the Niles Lions Club and a plaque.

Guest speaker, the Rev. Bala Prasad Marneni of India, pastor at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, told the students that their experiences in life through school and community will help them in life.

He said faith and family are important for people in their lives, as is the opportunity to receive an education.

Marneni said in India, there is a great need for education. He said he has been to Australia to help build schools.

“In the United States, students go to school and study and be educated and do not know the pain of not being able to be educated. The United States is a very resourceful country. We have worked to change that in parts of the world and provide an opportunity for children to be educated. This changed their futures,” Marneni said.

He said students need to appreciate their parents, teachers and the community who help them with their education and be thankful for the resources available to them.

Marneni said education comes from sacrifice and commitment.

“Having faith is important in your lives. Remember to appreciate those who help with your growth. Take value in your future,” he said.

The committee also recognized Jean Parke of Niles who was active for many years with the Interfaith Banquet and compiled its history. She died in April. The 59th annual banquet is set for April 12, 2026.