Community Event at South High
Over 800 Attendees, Including Alumni from All Youngstown City Schools, Gather at South High
August 10, 2024 at South High
The Youngstown Schools United Event was a heartfelt celebration of the community’s shared history and the ongoing restoration of South High. Alumni and community members from South High, East High, The Rayen School, Chaney, Wilson, North, Mooney, and Ursuline came together to honor the legacy of Youngstown schools. We were inspired by speeches from representatives of each school, including Keynote Speaker Judge Lou D’Apolito and Mayor Tito Brown. Their words underscored the importance of preserving our past while building a brighter future.
Tour South High School
Thank You to Our Youngstown Schools United Event Speakers, Performers, and Sponsors
We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the Youngstown Schools United Event. The day was filled with inspiring words, soulful music, and vibrant performances, all celebrating our community’s rich history and bright future.
Special thanks to our speakers:
- Pastor Phil Imler for the invocation.
- John Grahovac, former South High School Principal, and LoVetta Jenkins, Star 94.7 radio personality, for setting the stage as our MCs.
- Lena Esmail from QUICKmed Urgent Care and Jeremy Batchelor from Youngstown City Schools for serving as primary sponsors.
- Councilman Julius Oliver and Mayor Tito Brown for representing our community.
- Judge Anthony D’Apolito for introducing our Keynote Speaker, Judge Lou D’Apolito, a proud South High alumnus.
We also recognize our talented performers:
- Carla Gipson for her beautiful vocal performances.
- Manuel and Janis Jones for their musical contributions.
- Michael Cotton for his captivating dance performance.
- The cast of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” for their outstanding rendition.
A heartfelt thank you to our alumni speakers who represented their schools with pride:
- Chris Gunther (Eagle Heights Academy)
- Jaietta Jackson (Cardinal Mooney High School)
- Maureen Donofrio (Ursuline High School)
- Guy Burney (Chaney High School)
- Ode Aduma (North High School)
- Gary Frost (East High School)
- Leonard Hall (Wilson High School)
- Joseph Napier (South High School)
We also appreciate Jon Howell and Duane Marrow for their closing remarks.
This event would not have been possible without the generous support of our primary sponsors: QUICKmed Urgent Care, Youngstown City School District, and the Boardman Rotary. Thank you for helping us celebrate the legacy of Youngstown schools and the ongoing restoration of South High. Together, we are building a brighter future.
Thank You to the Event Volunteers!
We are incredibly grateful to the many volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to ensure the success of the Youngstown Schools United Event.
Jon Howell led the event and we are incredibly grateful for him spearheading the effort. A special thank you to our Tour Guide Managers, Joe Napier and Erwin Adams, along with our eight tour guides, for providing insightful tours. We also extend our appreciation to Wendy Simon and Rebecca Givens, who managed our entry points, supported by nine volunteers, ensuring a smooth welcome for all attendees. Carla Gipson organized the entertainment and speakers for the event, while Duane Marrow and Yvette Perez managed the car show. Lorenzo Johnson, our Parking Manager, and his crew, including the Veteran’s Haven Group, handled parking logistics. We also thank our clean-up crew from CCA, hot dog station volunteers, floaters, and those at the Phi Beta Sigma water station. We appreciate Chick-fil-A for providing meals and the volunteers who handed out tickets and tour bands. Your collective efforts made this event possible, and we are deeply thankful for your commitment.
