Staff photo / R. Michael Semple This year’s Community Stars, the 23rd class, were honored at an awards dinner Wednesday at the St. Demetrios Banquet Center in Warren. Front row, from left, are Jena Swesey, Susan Franko, Farrah Jones and Beverly Jones. Back row, from left, are Sue Datish, P.C. Torres III, Nick Frankos, Tom Elder, Tim Boyer and Richard Thompson. Missing is John Guarnieri.

WARREN — Eleven men and women who have stepped up to volunteer their time and effort to make a difference for others and their communities were celebrated as the 2025 Community Stars.

The 23rd annual Community Star awards ceremony and dinner took place Wednesday at St. Demetrios Banquet Center and was attended by more than 250 people. The program is sponsored by Trumbull 100 and the Tribune Chronicle.

The Class of 2025 Community Stars are Tim Boyer of Cortland, Sue Datish of Howland, Tom Elder of Warren, Susan Franko of Girard, Nick Frankos of Warren, John Guarnieri of Howland, Beverly Jones and Farrah Jones (mother and daughter) of Warren, Jena Swesey of Vienna, Richard Thompson of Kinsman and P.C. Torres III of Southington.

Ted Snyder, general manager of the Tribune Chronicle, said the Community Star program has honored more than 230 individuals over 23 years.

“Many of them do not feel they should be recognized, but we believe they should. They have served their communities in the best ways they can. What they do goes above and beyond,” Snyder said.

He said the recipients have performed a wide range of projects and community involvement.

“What they all share is that they like to help people, their neighbors and their community,” he said.

Snyder said each Community Star had a different and unique story

“One thing that is common is these are people trying to help others and we are all better because of them. You are truly deserving of these honors,” Snyder said.

Michael Jurenovich, president of Trumbull 100, said “These well-deserved 11 recipients have given selflessly to their communities and our county every year. They deserve to be recognized.”

Each recipient received a crystal award and commendations from state and county officials.

• Tim Boyer, who has a love for history, was recognized for his volunteerism with the Trumbull County Historical Society assisting where needed including with the new science fiction museum in Warren. He said he enjoys helping nonprofits.

• Sue Datish, who is regarded as a “gifted problem solver,” helps different groups such as Trumbull Retired Teachers Association, United Way and Trumbull Town Hall with technology needs and newsletters. The retired teacher said “It is such a joy to be in a room filled with people who feel community service is so important.” Datish said it is important to celebrate serving the community, and showing empathy and kindness.

• Tom Elder said he got involved with coaching to benefit the youth of the city. “The kids are number 1 in my eyes,” he said. Elder is considered an asset to the Warren Athletic Club, taking youth under his wings and guiding them in life.

• Susan Franko was honored for her volunteerism at the St. Vincent de Paul Society, where she helps with serving meals at the dining hall and at the thrift shop. She also has served as the president of the St. Vincent de Paul northeast district council, providing leadership and guidance for programs.

• Nick Frankos said he hosts football camps for youth and golf outing fundraisers to help raise funds for scholarships for graduating seniors from John F. Kennedy and Warren G. Harding high schools. Frankos also has provided more than 200 turkeys for local families in need at Thanksgiving and Christmas. He is regarded for “his big heart and love of his community.”

• John Guarnieri has dedicated his time to giving back to the community helping with the United Way of Trumbull County and the Trumbull Metropolitan Housing Authority. Guarnieri was described as someone who finds the time in his busy schedule to give back to others and serve the community in many ways.

• Beverly Jones and Farrah Jones were recognized as a mother-daughter team and their involvement with the Southeast Side Community Association (SESCA) and their work in getting a remembrance garden park established in Warren. Beverly said “community service is one way to create opportunity for growth and improvements.” Farrah said the hard work and dedication of many people does make a difference.

• Jena Swesey volunteers her time and talents at Inspiring Minds chapters in Warren and Youngstown. Swesey is described as “quiet but mighty and a goal achiever who reaches those goals.” “Inspiring Minds empowers the youth and prepares them for life. It is nice to be part of this. It has made me a better person,” Swesey said.

• Richard Thompson said he remembers being told once that “From he who has much, much is expected,” which is how he has lived his life. Thompson said he has been blessed in his own life with family and friends and reaches out to help others in need, such as the many affected by a major flood in Kinsman in 2019. He was described as someone “who stands up for people in need” with his depth of generosity.

• P.C. Torres III said he started a boxing gym and the Warren Boxing Association wanting to instill in the youth what his parents instilled in him — integrity and hard work. He said the values his parents passed to him he wanted to pass on to the youth.

“I learned that in life you need mentors. Boxing was an avenue for me to mentor the kids,” he said.