FIVE EXCEL: Four students in the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center’s Computer Networking and Cybersecurity program have earned the CompTIA A+ certification, and one student has passed the CompTIA ITF+ certification.

Their work demonstrates exceptional technical knowledge and career readiness.

The students who earned their CompTIA A+ certification were senior Henry Grenzig; senior Ethan Wescovich; junior Cooper Terziu; and junior Ben Weber.

Additionally, Nick Diaz, a senior, earned his CompTIA ITF+ certification.

The CompTIA A+ certification is a globally recognized credential, verifying a technician’s ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues related to networking, mobile devices, operating systems and security. It is widely regarded as the industry standard for entry-level IT professionals. The ITF+ certification serves as an introduction to basic IT knowledge and skills, covering foundational topics like databases, infrastructure, and software development.

“These certifications are typically pursued by adult learners or professionals already in the IT field,” John Zehentbauer, MCCTC superintendent said. “To see high school students achieve this level of success is nothing short of extraordinary. They are not only excelling academically — they are proving they’re ready to compete in today’s high-tech job market.”

DELGARBINO SELECTED: Dawn Incorporated, a Warren-based construction company, and Youngstown State University have awarded the Scholarship for Future Construction Professionals to Noelle DelGarbino, a junior accounting major from Warren.

“I am incredibly honored to receive this internship opportunity and to work alongside such a talented group of professionals,” DelGarbino said. “I deeply appreciate the faculty and staff at WCBA for their guidance and support throughout the process.”

This professional development program includes a paid career-related internship, full tuition for two years and professional networking and mentoring opportunities. DelGarbino will gain hands-on experience, working full time during the summers and part time throughout the academic year in Dawn Incorporated’s accounting department.

“YSU produces outstanding talent, and we are proud to support their students through this scholarship. Our goal is to give back to the community and help student interns thrive at Dawn Incorporated, with the hope that they will continue their careers here in the Mahoning Valley,” said Dawn Ochman, president and CEO of Dawn Incorporated.

Dawn Incorporated initiated this program last year, selecting two engineering students for the Scholarship for Future Construction Professionals program. One recent graduate, Dillen Knowles, has accepted full-time employment with Dawn Incorporated as a project engineer.

FARMERS ADDS TO STAFF: Farmers Trust Co. recently hired Jami Bishop as vice president, personal trust administrator. She will be based out of the Howland Trust location.

Bishop brings to Farmers more than 20 years of experience in private practice law. She most recently served as magistrate for the Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas, General Division.

“Jami is an excellent addition to our Howland Trust team, and will serve the community well with her knowledge and expertise in estate planning, probate, and real estate,” said Dave Dastoli, president of Farmers Trust Co.

Bishop is a graduate of Ohio University and the University of Akron School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor in 2003. She continued her education at the University of Akron and graduated in 2004 with a Master of Taxation degree.

Bishop is the chair for OCLRE Trumbull County District Mock Trial, an instructor for the Trumbull County Bar Association Trumbull County Law Library Association.

FASTSIGNS ACQUISITION: FASTSIGNS of Youngstown-Boardman, located at 7340 Market St., Boardman, has been acquired by Patrick Burgan and Frank Babbaro, owners of PRF Signworks LTD.

Burgan and Babbaro’s portfolio of businesses includes Burgan Real Estate, Market Title Agency, Offerwell, Tre Fratelli Trucking and Allegiant Health Care.

“I bought FASTSIGNS because I wanted to flex my creativity. I’ve been drawn to marketing and design from a young age,” Burgan said. “Coming from the real estate industry, I have seen firsthand the impact a sign can make selling a home and the impact it can have on a business.”

Burgan said he is thrilled that the entire staff of FASTSIGNS stayed on, making for an easy transition while continuing to deliver the same quality and speed customers have come to expect.

FASTSIGNS of Youngstown-Boardman opened in late 1999.

INTERNSHIPS AWARDED: Twelve Williamson College of Business Administration students have been selected to participate in the third year of the Ohio Procurement Internship Program at Youngstown State University.

Students selected for this competitive program completed specialized coursework in government contracting this spring semester and have been matched with an Ohio company for a full-time, paid summer internship. Internship projects include procurement compliance, market research, market expansion and government sales strategy plans. The program, created by the APEX Accelerator and the Ohio Department of Development, provides an opportunity for businesses interested in expanding their government contracting activities to leverage the skills and knowledge of specially trained college students.

This year’s participants are Aidan Gray, Pittsburgh, senior, Supply Chain Management; Cecil Fidram IV, junior, Business Administration major and Marketing minor; Edward McGlone, Canfield, junior, Marketing major and Professional Selling minor; Fatima Mohamed, senior, International Business major;

Jenae Brown, Youngstown, senior, International Business and Philosophy major and Psychology of Mental Health minor; Jolena Windsor, junior, Business Administration major; Kanya Bonner, Akron, junior, Accounting major; Krish Patel, Finance major and Computer Science minor;

Logan Burggraf, sophomore, Business Administration major; Quentin Pew, junior, Business Analytics and Enterprise Resource Planning certifications; Stephen Zaucha, Electrical Engineering Technology major and Business minor; and Yolimar Gonzalez Melendez, junior, Social Work and Business Administration majors.

HUNTINGTON COMMITMENT: Huntington Bank has renewed its $45,000 commitment to Lake to River Economic Development. The action reinforces its support for job creation, business growth and regional revitalization across Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties.

The investment continues Huntington’s role as a key private partner of Lake to River, which serves as the region’s lead economic development agency and a network partner of JobsOhio.

“At Huntington, we believe strong communities are built through long-term relationships with partners who are committed to looking out for people, and this renewed investment in Lake to River reflects that belief,” said Sam Huston, Market President at Huntington Bank. “Lake to River is doing the behind-the-scenes work that drives real economic outcome — jobs, new businesses and regional momentum — and we feel it’s important to be part of that effort.”

Michael McGiffin, Lake to River’s vice president of Engagement and Investor Relations, emphasized the importance of long-term private partnerships.

“We’re grateful to Huntington for recognizing that economic development is a worthwhile investment year after year,” McGiffin said. “This renewed support helps sustain our mission, and we hope other businesses will follow Huntington’s example, as private sector contributions are essential for maintaining our capacity to help companies grow and expand in the Mahoning Valley.”

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