Youngstown City School District announces honor award recipients
The Youngstown City School District (YCSD) has announced its picks for who will receive the 2026 Youngstown Honors Award.
The award, according to a release outlining the picks, recognizes the dedication and commitment of teachers and staff in supporting students in the YCSD.
"Our educators and staff are the driving force behind the success of our scholars and the heart of our school district," said YSCD Superintendent Jeremy Batchelor.
Batchelor continues," The Youngstown Honors event is an opportunity to spotlight their extraordinary efforts and recognize the positive impact they have on our entire community."
Recipients include the following:
- Dr. Wendy Webb, Administrator of the Year
- Robert Kearns, Chief of Staff for the YCSD
- Anthony DeNiro Distinguished Service Awards
- Debra Caffey, Human Resource Generalist for the YCSD
- John Hopkinson, Director of Technology Infrastructure for the Technology Department
- Zacha Medina, Parent Engagement Coordinator of East Middle School
- Wildemina Ocasio-Sanchez, Educational Assistant ELEA for East High School
- John Randall, Groundskeeper of the Maintenance Shop
- Shaunda Yancey, Instructional Coach of Rayen Early College High School
- Edward "Ed" Matey Athletic Coach of the Year
- LaVance Turnage, Coach of East High School
- Deb DiFrancesco Co-Principal of the Year
- Debra Campbell, Principal of East High School
- Tricia Mulcahy, Principal of Chaney High School
- Dr. Ben McGee Lifetime Achievement Award
- Edna Douglas, Dean of East Middle School
- Newcomer Award - Staff
- Dr. Michael Rock, Treasurer for the YCSD
- Newcomer Award - Teacher
- Ryan Mitchell, Teacher for Chaney Middle School
- Superintendent's Volunteer Service Award
- Kim Anderson, PBIS Tier 2 Mentor for East Middle School
- Substitute Teacher of the Year Award
- Michael Cotton, Dance Substitute Teacher for Chaney High School
- Teacher of the Year Award
- March Ellis, Teacher for Volney Rogers Elementary School
The recipients will be honored at a ticketed-only gathering at the Maronite Center, located at 1555 South Meridian Road in Youngstown, on May 7, beginning at 5 p.m.
Each recipient was nominated by colleagues, students, families and other community members.
Event details and ticket purchase options can be found here.
