Young leaders honored

Area youth praised for service at banquet

WARREN -- Area high school students were recognized Wednesday for selfless contributions to their communities during the 11th annual Twenty Under 20 awards dinner, which annually honors leadership among Trumbull County's young people.

The event, co-sponsored by the Tribune Chronicle, United Way of Trumbull County and Akron Children's Mahoning Valley, honored and celebrated 20 students who have gone into their communities to make a difference in the lives of others. The event recognized the leadership efforts and volunteerism of the 20 young adults to make their communities a better place.

Christine Cope, president / CEO of the United Way of Trumbull County, said the recipients have applied themselves and worked hard pursuing their goals, leading the way and making a difference.

"They are an incredible group of students with so many accomplishments. They deserve the recognition but they would have done the work without the recognition. That is what is so exciting about this," Cope said.

Each of the honorees received a flame award and one-year digital subscription to the Tribune Chronicle.

The top five students received a portion of $1,000 to be donated to a charity of their choice.

A total of $500 went to the winner's charity.

Hubbard High School senior Christina Badurik was selected as the winner of this year's event.

"I am truly honored to have been selected of this meaningful award," she said.

"I have dedicated my life to serving those around me and ensuring that I pour my heart into whatever I undertake."

Badurik said she focuses on a wide variety of projects close to her heart while putting her time into her school, church and community.

"I work my hardest to make my school, church and all other things I have been a part of the best they can be," she said, noting she gets fulfillment knowing she is helping others and making their lives better.

Badurik said she enjoys helping at Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church in Campbell, where she teaches Sunday school to fifth-grade students and is president of the youth association.

"I appreciate having the opportunity to help others," she said. "I enjoy being involved at my church and teaching Sunday school."

Badurik, who has a 4.0 grade-point average, is president of student council, leader in pep club, yearbook editor and is a National Honor Society member.

She said she read the biographies of the other 19 recipients and was impressed with all they do.

The five finalists included Kylie Carpenter of Girard, Francis Joseph Gajski III of Howland, Katelyn Heinselman of Niles and Ava Kuntz of McDonald.

Ted Snyder, general manager of the Tribune Chronicle, said since the event was first held in 2013, 220 young adults have received the award for their good work and deeds.

"I call them overachieving young adults because anyone who has done all they have done and accomplished what they have deserves this recognition," Snyder said.

"Every year's new class of 20 is just as good as last year's if not better. They work hard to make the world a better place to be."

Brenda Linert, editor of the Tribune Chronicle, said too often people bemoan the crazy things kids are doing today and they worry about our nation's future.

"As we spend time today recognizing these 20 students, I think all of those concerns can be put to rest," she said.

"This is an amazing class of 20 students. They have succeeded in being assets to their communities by leading productive, ethical, honorable and inspirational lives. We hope these awards will encourage these remarkable young people to keep that flame burning."

The 15 other recipients recognized were Payton Borsic of Warren G. Harding; Brooke Bosheff of McDonald; Reagan Cantrell of Brookfield; Mariana Diana of Warren JFK; Danielle Drake of Newton Falls; Molly Durkin of Girard; Channing Fox of Champion; Olivia Gray of Champion / Trumbull Career and Technical Center; Kayla Haynie of Champion; Alaina Wagner of Warren G. Harding; Daina Wagner of Warren G. Harding; Ava Westenfelder of Southington Chalker; Courtney Wilcox of Warren G. Harding; Isabella Williams of Hubbard; and Hayes Yocum of Champion.