Summer Honors Institute returns to YSU, welcomes high school students to campus

The Sokolov Honors College welcomed high school students from across the region for its annual Summer Honors Institute, a weeklong experiential learning opportunity. Throughout the week, participants explored a variety of interdisciplinary topics through faculty-led seminars.

Courses encouraged students to actively engage in their learning, think critically, collaborate with peers and explore ideas beyond the traditional high school classroom. Faculty members from across the university shared their expertise while providing students with a glimpse of the learning opportunities available through the Sokolov Honors College.

In addition to academic coursework, students participated in a variety of enrichment activities. Lunch featured sessions on leadership and campus resources, including a team-building exercise led by Jenna Binsley-Smith of the YSU Tressel Institute for Leadership and Teamwork. Students also participated in the Y and Kind Initiative by writing thank-you cards recognizing individuals who have positively impacted their lives, reinforcing the importance of gratitude, service and community.

SHI culminated in a closing celebration for students and the family members they invited to attend. Students in the Inside the Institute course played a central role in documenting SHI. Participants interviewed classmates, faculty and staff before writing news stories highlighting the institute’s many experiences. They also collaborated to produce the program for the closing celebration and created a scrolling photo presentation featuring classmates, including memorable photos with Pete the Penguin, that was shown during the event. Other classes presented their work in areas such as 3D printing, tabletop role-playing game development, graphic design and healthy movement strategies. Acting and choir classes entertained the audience with polished performances developed during the four-day program.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of the Summer Honors Institute is watching students discover new strengths and interests while building connections with peers who share their sense of curiosity,” said Mollie Hartup, SHI organizer and faculty member. “In just one week, students gain confidence, explore new academic possibilities and begin to see themselves as future college learners and leaders.”

Beyond the classroom, students developed connections with peers from schools across the region while experiencing a taste of campus life. Students also reflected on what they learned about themselves during the week.

“I learned that I need to embrace doing things that are uncomfortable to grow,” said one SHI participant.

Other students appreciated the active learning methods used throughout SHI.

“I really enjoyed it! I loved the work environment because it felt very relaxed but still productive. I also enjoyed taking breaks after a period of working to stretch and refresh.”

The Summer Honors Institute reflects the Sokolov Honors College’s commitment to fostering curiosity, creativity and leadership among academically motivated students. By combining academic exploration with meaningful community-building experiences, SHI offers participants a unique opportunity to discover new interests, develop lasting friendships and consider college for their future.

Courses and faculty for the 2026 Summer Honors Institute included:

• Move Smarter, Not Harder: How the Body Really Works — Hannah Crites-Pickett, PT, DPT
• Inside the Institute: Journalism and Storytelling in Practice — Mollie Hartup
• Summer Honors Choir — Bryan Helsel
• Additive Manufacturing – FDM (3D Printing) — Allison Rea
• Acting for Everyone — Kali Davies-Anderson
• Creative Publication Design for Beginners — Sebastian Giraldo
• Tabletop RPG in a Week — Zack While

The 2026 SHI class included:

• Violet Anderson, Austintown Fitch High School
• Vasilija Crnjak, Boardman High School
• Madison Howard, Poland Seminary High School
• Anastasia Hull, Ursuline High School
• Harlow Hymes, Ursuline High School
• Pierce Kearns, Canfield High School
• Emilee Knisley, Austintown Fitch High School
• Nina LaRocca, Cardinal Mooney High School
• Marlee Leach, Austintown Fitch High School
• Aviana Li, Ursuline High School
• Chloe Mayfield, Austintown Fitch High School
• Miles Mihalik, Canfield High School
• Reese Murray, Boardman High School
• Abigail Riblet, Canfield High School
• Chloe Smith, Boardman High School
• Coraline Wakefield, Boardman High School
• Elena Wakefield, Boardman High School
• Meredith Wakefield, Boardman High School
• Radley Wills, Weathersfield High School

The Summer Honors Institute will return in 2027.