First class of Kent State Columbiana County Rural Scholars graduates

SALEM -- The first class of students to complete the Kent State University (KSU) Rural Scholars program is graduating this spring and a celebration was held on the KSU Salem campus to recognize 16 scholars reaching this milestone.

Each scholar completed six full years of comprehensive, structured, enlightening and often rigorous educational experiences through the Rural Scholars Program.

The graduating scholars include: Jacob Baker, Johnathon "Jon" Black and Calie Sherrill, all of Crestview High School; Morgan Briand of David Anderson Junior/Senior High School; Lanay Brentley, Christopher "Chris" Pritt and Erin Taylor, all of East Liverpool High School; Courtney Rebuck and Tyler Timmann, both of Salem High School; Dalton Ash, Robert "Joey" Dickson and Toni Laney, all of Southern Local High School; Tristen Hinkle of Wellsville High School; Harley Webb, home school; and Jarrod Westover of the Columbiana County Career and Technical Center and Opportunity School.

The scholars were recognized by Dr. David Dees, dean and chief administrative officer of the Columbiana campuses, who presented each scholar with a stole that can be worn at his or her respective high school graduation ceremony.

Dr. Charles K. Leedy, a member of the KSU East Liverpool advisory board, was the keynote speaker for the event. Special guests included State Rep. Timothy Ginter, advisory board members from the Salem and East Liverpool campuses, as well as administrators from area high schools.

Certificates were presented to the scholars by Dr. Celeste Oprean, assistant dean at KUS Salem and Dr. Susan Rossi, assistant dean at KSU East Liverpool. The Rural Scholars faculty advocate, Dr. Rachael Blasiman, also addressed the graduates.

Former program director, Wendy Pfrenger, addressed the graduates and families via a pre-recorded video message. She recently relocated out of state, but offered words of encouragement, gratitude and praise for the scholars as they transition to the next phase of their lives.

The Rural Scholars Program is designed to offer local first-generation college-bound students and their families the knowledge and social support needed to succeed at a university. The goal is for each student in the program to complete a post-secondary education with credentials necessary to succeed in his or her career. Students are chosen by their schools on the basis of their academic and leadership potential.

The scholars participate in year-round activities that help them better understand the resources and opportunities that are available in nearby communities. Hands-on workshops and programming help them learn about careers in business, industry, manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture and technology, while other sessions provide intensive lessons in environmental sciences, health and physical science, leadership, communication and study skills.

KSU Salem and East Liverpool students serve as mentors to the younger scholars. Each mentor is a first-generation college student from Columbiana County with a strong record of academic success and a desire to serve the community.

Currently, there are more than 100 rural scholars in the program from grades seven through 10. Participating schools include Crestview Local, East Liverpool City Schools, Leetonia Exempted Village, Lisbon Village Exempted, Salem City Schools, Southern Local Schools, United Local Schools and Wellsville Local Schools.

The program also includes KSU students who serve as mentors to the rural scholars. Each is also a first-generation college student from Columbiana County with a strong record of academic success and a desire to serve the community.

-- Submitted material