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As in past years, I had the opportunity last week to attend the Twenty Under 20 banquet, a wonderful event honoring 20 of our area's best and brightest -- all under the age of 20.
If you ever worried you might lose faith in our area's youth or in our future, you should take some time to read the magazine that came with Friday's Tribune Chronicle profiling each of these 20 students, their leadership, academics and volunteerism. Twenty Under 20 is co-sponsored by the Tribune Chronicle and Akron Children's Hospital Mahoning Valley.
If you're a regular Tribune Chronicle reader, you already know Howland High School senior Ryan Jones was this year's top winner, receiving a $500 stipend to use on any of his many charitable projects.
Ryan, 18, was the creator of Howland's "You've Got a Friend" mentor club at Howland High School. The program provides students with an intellectual or developmental disability the opportunity to spend time with fellow students as tutors and participate in school and after-school activities with a friend.
This amazing program is intended to help bring awareness and acceptance to disabled classmates by encouraging social interaction and self-confidence while helping in school work and fostering friendships. Ryan co-founded the club with his friend, Leah Pollifrone, also of Howland.
The inspiration for the program? Ryan's little sister, Lauren, who has Down syndrome. Thursday, Ryan described Lauren, 12, as the "biggest role model in my life."
The idea for the club was spurred last year when Ryan, a Howland football player, spotted a scene that can only be described as "lonely." That is, kids with special needs sitting alone and being picked on at lunch.
Sadly, the scene probably plays out in school cafeterias everywhere.
Ryan said he thought, "That's going to be my sister, and I'll be gone (graduated). I've got to do something."
And, boy, did he ever.
The program and Ryan's love for his little sister should give you goosebumps. I know it did to me.
But he wasn't the only winner recognized Thursday night.
Nineteen others came from all around Trumbull County and were honored for their tireless efforts to help the less fortunate, exemplary leadership skills, academic success and future aspirations.
These young men and women have participated in mission trips, helped the elderly, the needy and younger children. They are members of Scouts and are active in their churches and school activities.
If you know of a young person who is worthy of nomination, keep him or her in mind for when we seek 2017 Twenty Under 20 nominations. It will be here before you know it!
This event is just one of many the Tribune Chronicle helps to sponsor throughout the year.
Just last week, we helped sponsor Twenty Under 20 as well as Wednesday's "Pearl Harbor and Beyond" event held at Kent State University at Trumbull that marked the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Of course, we also recently sponsored the Trumbull County Veterans Day parade in downtown Warren and coordinated the Trumbull County Make A Difference Day efforts.
These are just to name a few.
One of our next community events -- probably my favorite -- is Community Stars, which provided somewhat of a model for Twenty Under 20. Community Stars, typically held in March, gives us an opportunity to publicly recognize about 10 local residents who go out of their way serve their community.
If you know of someone special who is worthy for consideration for this honor, you should start watching the Tribune Chronicle for information and nomination forms. That information will be released shortly after Christmas.
blinert@tribtoday.com