Three WFMJ colleagues honored by Youngstown Press Club

It's been less than a year since former 21 News Director Mona Alexander retired after a more than 40 year career in broadcast journalism.

A career marked by impactful reporting, invaluable leadership and a slew of accolades, she collected one of the biggest Wednesday night - induction into the Youngstown Press Club Hall of Fame.

"This is the cherry on the top," Alexander said.

"Being recognized by your peers and by an organization like the Youngstown Press Club means a lot, and it means a lot because they support working journalists which is something I've always stood for and I think is very important especially in today's society."

A society served by a free press, a free press that's working harder than ever to deliver the truth.

"It is so incredibly important that reporters and journalists and news managers be supported, that they have support to go out and do the job," Alexander said during her acceptance speech.

One of the young women Alexander has mentored in recent years accepted honors of her own from the Press Club.
21 News 6pm Anchor and Reporter Madison Tromler took home the Excellence in Media Award.
In just four short years, she's climbed the ladder to be at the forefront of our investigative unit.

"I was given some big responsibilities to help out with some big Watchdog reporting, investigative reporting," Tromler says. "We've done a lot with 101 West and to just be recognized as a station and to have all of us here, it's just a good feeling."

WFMJ Account Executive JoAnn Kolarik, who helped resurrect the Press Club several years ago, received the Medal of Merit.
While you may not see her on the air, her experience and knowledge of all things advertising has helped businesses across The Valley achieve their goals.

Congratulations Mona, Madison andJoAnn from all of us on the 21 News team!