Five Youngstown State University students who are the children of YSU graduates have been awarded $1,000 Alumni Society Legacy Scholarships:
Sarah DeLucia and father Joseph
Sarah DeLucia, New Middletown, Ohio, Psychology major, daughter of Joseph and Susan DeLucia. A sophomore, DeLucia works at the Wilcox Curriculum Resource Center at YSU. She is a registered lifetime member of the Girl Scouts, where she participated in leadership training. In 4H, she is a counselor at Camp Whitewood and plans to transition into an advisor role. Her father graduated from YSU in with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Economics.
Daniella Mendel and mother Josefina
Daniella Mendel, Struthers, Ohio, Biology major/Pre-Med, daughter of Josefina Mendel, 2004 and 2011. Daniella Mendel, a freshman who aspires to become a physician, has been accepted into the BACCMED program and, after graduation from YSU, plans to attend the Northeast Ohio Medical School. Her family has overcome many obstacles, including her parents immigrating to the United States, learning a new language and culture, working hard while prioritizing education, and being faced with poverty. In addition to her mother, who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Education from YSU, Mendel’s two older brothers graduated from YSU, one in Electrical Engineering and the other is studying Pharmacy at NEOMED.
Alexandra Mijavec and parents Denise (Matsouris) and Mark
Alexandra Mijavec, Warren, Ohio, Business Administration–Finance major, daughter of Denise (Matsouris) Mijavec, 1995 and 2000, and Mark Mijavec, 1991 and 2000. A senior, Mijavec is a member of the YSU Marching Pride as a Penguinette and works three jobs with a goal to graduate debt-free. Her mother holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Education, while her father holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Business Administration. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree at YSU.
Leah and Tara (Wilson) Sydney
Leah Sydney, Boardman Ohio, Studio Arts major, daughter of Tara (Wilson) Sydney, 2005 and 2010. A freshman, Sydney wants to pursue a leadership career at Walt Disney Studios as an art director. Her mother holds a bachelor’s in Applied Science and a master’s in Counseling from YSU.
Sarah Welsh and mother Marie (Zerbonia) Welsh
Sarah Welsh, Youngstown, Integrated Language Arts Education major, daughter of Marie (Zerbonia) Welsh, 1990. Welsh, a senior at YSU, has maintained a 4.0 GPA for the last four consecutive semesters. After graduation, she plans to obtain a master’s degree in English at YSU. In addition to her mother, who earned a bachelor’s in Business Administration, Welsh’s brother holds earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from YSU.
