Denise DeBartolo York and Dr. John York, San Francisco 49ers co-chairs and longtime education advocates, awarded 17 scholarships to graduating high school seniors from Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties during ceremonies held last week at the Lake Club.
      The scholarships, part of The Edward J. DeBartolo Memorial Scholarship Foundation, totaled $170,000.00 and were presented to the recipients at The Lake Club during a luncheon for the students and their families.
      The scholarship was first established by DeBartolo York’s father and several close friends, who worked to provide commendable youth the opportunity to continue their education.
      The scholarship foundation, run by the Yorks in Mr. DeBartolo’s honor, serves to provide the same platform for excellent area youth in need of financial assistance.
      “The objectives of the foundation are to reward those students who have proven themselves as role models and leaders in their community. My father believed that all students who have worked hard to achieve their goals while contributing to their community, should be afforded the opportunity to receive a college education, regardless of their financial situation”, said DeBartolo York.
      2022 scholarship recipients are Cassidy Claypoole, Austintown; Monica Cobbin, Columbiana; Sarah Cornelius, Austintown; Ryssa Coudriet, Niles McKinley; Jenna Croy, Youngstown Rayen Early College; Aiden Exline, Girard; Jazzlyn Flores, Campbell; Lauren Haynie, Champion; Catie Herberger, Hubbard; Samantha Joki, Austintown; Emily McKarns, United Local; Ashely Nicholas, Champion; Quentin Pew, South Range; Cadence Pounds, Austintown ; Evan Sahli, Austintown; Brynna Schobel, Boardman; and Peyton Shorthouse, Struthers.
      More than 375 applications were received by The Edward J. DeBartolo Memorial Scholarship Foundation, which included grade transcripts, student essays and recommendations from guidance counselors and principals. Scholarship award winners are determined by academic achievement, community involvement and financial need.
      The Edward J. DeBartolo Memorial Scholarship Foundation has awarded more than $1.6 million in scholarships over the past 25 years and strives to provide advanced education for deserving valley students well into the future.