Tribune Chronicle

WARREN — It’s time again to place well-deserved attention on the youngest and most impressive leaders in Trumbull County with the fifth annual Twenty Under 20 program.

The Tribune Chronicle will be honoring 20 high-achieving individuals younger than 20 for their leadership skills through volunteerism, extracurricular activities and academic achievements.

“Past nominees exemplified leadership in their community service, academics and scholastically, and we expect no different from the crop of candidates this year,” said Sue Shafer, community events coordinator for the Tribune Chronicle.

Anyone — mothers, fathers, grandparents, teachers, guidance and youth counselors, church and service organization leaders — can nominate a young person who they think stands out. In fact, multiple nominations are encouraged to provide multiple perspectives of the student.

Winners will be selected based on leadership, which accounts for 50 percent, and academic and extracurricular activities, which account for 25 percent apiece. Nominees must be at least a freshman in high school. One of the 20 nominees will be picked as an overall winner.

Last year’s winner was Ryan Jones, then a senior at Howland High School, who started the “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” mentor club at the high school. The club provides students with an intellectual or developmental disability an opportunity to be with fellow students as tutors and participate in in-school and after-school activities with a friend.

The program brings acceptance for students with disabilities and encourages social interaction, promotes self-confidence, aids in school work and fosters friendships. Jones’ sister, Lauren, who has Down Syndrome, was his inspiration for starting the club.

The Tribune Chronicle will publish a magazine featuring the chosen individuals, and recipients of the award will be invited to a banquet Dec. 5.

Nomination forms can be acquired at local high school guidance offices or by contacting Shafer at sshafer@tribtoday.com or 330-841-1696. They also will be available online at www.tribtoday.com.

Along with the form, applicants are permitted to attach up to five supporting documents, like high school transcripts. They must submit a narrative about how they have shown leadership through community service, academic achievement and extracurricular activities .

The forms can be turned in to Shafer through email or be hand-delivered or mailed to Sue Shafer, c / o Tribune Chronicle, 240 Franklin St. SE, Warren, OH 44483.

Nominations are due by Sept. 22. Winners will be announced in the Tribune Chronicle in October.

news@tribtoday.com