Latest news with #KentStateAshtabula
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Kent State Ashtabula graduates spring class
ASHTABULA — Amanda Good shared an amazing story of resiliency detailing her life through recovery to Kent State Ashtabula graduation Thursday evening during commencement exercises in the school's gymnasium. Good, a 2008 graduate of Lakeside High School, represented the class and shared how chemical dependency delayed college for her on several occasions, but also put her on a road to help others. 'I am in remission for multiple substance abuse disorders,' she said. She said she is proud to be a part of the first class of Kent State Ashtabula students to earn a Bachelor of Social Work degree, and plans to continue to work as a licensed chemical dependency counselor and social work assistant in addition to her roles as mother, aunt, sister and daughter. 'Who you were, who you are and who you will become are three different people,' she said. Gina Carlucci, of Conneaut, was busy taking selfies during the procession but was ready for the big night. '[I am] nervous but excited to be here with my friends,' she said. Jason Tirotta, manager of strategic communications and marketing for KSU regional campuses, said the planning for a graduation usually begins right after the last one is complete. He said there were about 100 graduates this spring, with 62 walking across the stage. He said 62 was the largest number of students participating in graduation since the coronavirus pandemic. Tirotta said the management staff does a great job of coordinating all the people participating and making sure everyone knows where to be. Kent State University Ashtabula Dean and Chief Administrative Officer R. William Ayers IV greeted students and their families. He thanked families for all the sacrifices they made to help students to the culmination of this phase of their education. He also thanked the students for all of their input into the lives of others while at the Kent campus as they juggled work and family obligations. Ayers also thanked Andrew Luoma, a long-time member of the school's IT department, for his work. Heather Tulino was honored with the Community Service Award for her creation of a non-profit organization entitled Adam's Angels, which assists the homeless. She was unable to attend because she was also receiving a lifetime achievement award for her work at the Cleveland Clinic. Staci Hall was honored with the Roger T. Beitler Distinguished Former Student award. Hall worked for the past 10 years in the charitable food network in a variety of ways. She said she hopes students use all they learn as they go out into their future endeavors.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Relay for life gearing up for June
JEFFERSON — The American Cancer Society Relay for Life organizers are hoping for more teams of walkers to participate this year at the Ashtabula County event. 'Basically we are reaching out on social media,' said Lori Jean Shinkle, who is organizing the survivor events, which will take place June 28 at Giddings Park in Jefferson. The change from an all-night Relay for Life to a shorter event hurt the numbers of people involved, she said. The coronavirus pandemic also provided challenges for Relay for Life, with the result of fewer people participating. Shinkle said the amount of cancer survivors participating has dropped significantly. 'At one point, we had 144, and this year we have 37 [signed up so far],' she said. The event is scheduled to start at noon June 28, by connecting with Patsy's Run, Shinkle said. She said the survivors's dinner will follow shortly after and the opening walk, between 1-1:30 p.m. Shinkle said anyone interested in participating can call 440-344-7294 or 1-800-337-2345, or sign up online at which is the preferred method. Survivors receive a meal for them and a caregiver, a shirt and other prizes, Shinkle said. The event has taken place for decades at a variety of sites throughout Ashtabula County, including Kent State Ashtabula, Grand River Academy and the Ashtabula County Fairgrounds. The money raised is used to fund research to find cures for cancer, cancer prevention efforts and patient care efforts. Over the years a variety of speakers have shared their cancer survival stories with those in attendance. A variety of pre-relay fundraisers have already occurred or are in the planning stages. A polar bear plunge in the dead of winter provided a jolt to the body and some extra money to fight cancer. A spaghetti dinner for Relay for Life is scheduled for 4-7 p.m. May 1, through Team Imagine Believe, with adult tickets available for $12, and children 12 and under $7, said Annette Montgomery who is helping arrange the event at Ashcraft Industries in Kingsville Township.
