Forty-one educators from across Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties will be recognized Tuesday at the second annual Mahoning Valley Educator of the Year Honors Dinner at the Eastwood Event Centre in Niles.

The event celebrates outstanding teachers who were nominated by their schools and districts for their dedication to students and classrooms.

While one educator will ultimately be named Educator of the Year, the evening is designed to honor all nominees and the schools that supported their nominations.

The honors dinner was created and coordinated by Hubbard teacher Josh MacMillan in partnership with the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber.

Building on the success of last year’s event, organizers expanded participation to include more schools, educators and community partners.

“The greatest gift and blessing is to be a small piece in bringing this evening to life for our teachers. In 22 years, I have met so many amazing people, and I am fortunate to help them see the appreciation their students, colleagues and community have for them,” MacMillan said.

Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber President & CEO Guy Coviello has supported the initiative since first discussing the idea with MacMillan in 2024. He said the event highlights the critical connection between education, workforce readiness and the Valley’s economic future.

“Our educators do a wonderful job preparing our young people for great careers. We count on our educators to show their students that those opportunities now exist right here. The economic and career opportunities have shifted favorably in the Mahoning Valley since 2020 and will continue to trend in a positive direction,” Coviello said.

This year’s nominees represent a wide range of experience and disciplines, from early-career educators to teachers with more than five decades in the classroom. Nominees span preschool through college-preparatory instruction and include backgrounds in the arts, music, counseling and core academic subjects.

Each nominee will be recognized during the program and will receive a red marble apple on a pedestal. Five award recipients will receive a golden apple: Educator of the Year; Secondary Educator of the Year, honoring a teacher in grades seven through 12; Early Educator of the Year, recognizing a teacher in kindergarten through sixth grade; Golden Educator of the Year, celebrating a teacher with 20 or more years of service; and Young Educator of the Year, honoring a teacher with 10 years of experience or less.

After hosting more than 30 schools and 300 guests in its inaugural year, this year’s honors dinner includes additional school participation and support from sponsors, including Humtown, Youngstown State University Foundation, DeSalvo Construction, #1 Cochran, Gasser Chair, HSH Contractor, Struthers Rotary Club, 7 17 Credit Union, PIA and the Refugee Community Outreach.

Traci Hostetler, superintendent of the Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio, said a teacher’s influence is profound.

“They devote themselves to guiding others and shaping future generations, transforming curiosity into a lifelong love of learning. Teachers are selfless, generous and deeply committed to the success of their students. Recognizing their dedication is essential, as teaching — one of the most important professions in our country–often goes unacknowledged. Honoring educators and their work is not only a gesture of gratitude but a vital investment in the strength and future of our region,” Hostetler said.

If you go…

WHAT: Mahoning Valley Educator of the Year Honors Dinner

WHEN: Tuesday, with doors open at 4:30 p.m., dinner at 5 p.m. and the program at 6 p.m.

WHERE: Eastwood Event Centre, Niles

REGISTER: Visit regionalchamber.com and click the events tab