The Kent State Columbiana County campuses held a graduation celebration to recognize members of the Rising Scholars program who are each graduating from their respective high schools this spring.
The graduating scholars include:
- Shirley Adkins of Southern Local High School
- Teagan Arter of Leetonia High School
- Javahla Cowdery of East Liverpool High School
- Chelsea Groves of Southern Local High School
- Jase Harrison of Crestview High School
- Treasure Ikard of East Liverpool High School
- Jimothy Jancel of Marlington High School
- Caden Mustake of Crestview High School
- Nikki Phillips of Southern Local High School
- Payton Price of United Local High School
- Trisha Shasteen of Salem High School
- Kaitlin Shingler of Leetonia High School
- Kaydis Smith of Crestview High School
- Kali Timmann of Salem High School
- Melody Wright of East Liverpool High School
The scholars were recognized by Dr. Jessica Paull, program coordinator, along with Dr. Susan Rossi, assistant dean of the Columbiana County campuses, and Tommy Kornbau, Rising Scholars master mentor.
The Rising 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 based on their academic and leadership potential.
Kent State 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.
Photo A: The 2023 Rising Scholars graduates include (from left) Kaitlin Shingler, Shirley Adkins, Chelsea Groves, Nikki Phillis, Melody Wright, Jase Harrison, Trisha Shasteen, Jimothy Jancel, Kaydis Smith, Payton Price, and Javahla Cowdery.
Photo B: Scholars and mentors gathered for one final photo. Pictured are (from left) Mentor Ally Harman, Dr. Jessica Paull, Shirley Adkins, Kaitlin Shingler, Master Mentor Thomas Kornbau, Chelsea Groves, Nikki Phillis, Melody Wright, Jase Harrison, Mentor Joy Carpenter, Trisha Shasteen, Jimothy Jancel, Mentor Elizabeth Mostella, Javahla Cowdery, Payton Price, Mentor Grace Huddlestun, Kaydis Smith, Mentor Faith Wittenaur, Mentor Hannah Shaffer, and Mentor Blaine McCurdy.