YSU Army ROTC celebrates outstanding Cadets, awards more than $98,000 in scholarships

Youngstown State University’s Army ROTC program honored excellence in leadership, scholarship and service during its annual awards ceremony this spring, presenting a total of 59 honors, including 19 scholarships totaling more than $98,000.

Among the scholarships awarded, the Carl A. Nunziato Scholarship was the largest, distributing $57,000 among 14 cadets who demonstrated military aptitude, leadership potential, responsibility and dedication.

Two senior cadets preparing to commission as Second Lieutenants, CDT Jacob Hughes and CDT Kent Sarno, received multiple top honors.

CDT Hughes received the American Legion Award - Post #15 for Military Excellence, the Superior Cadet Award for MS IV, the Distinguished Military Student Award and the Cadet Battalion Commander Sabre for Spring 2025.

CDT Sarno was honored with the CPT Richard Zinz Memorial Graduation Award, the ROA Ribbon and the Cadet Battalion Commander Sabre for Fall 2024.

Several underclassmen were also recognized for their leadership and academic performance:

• CDT Zane Perrico, MS I received the American Legion Award - Post #472, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the Carl A. Nunziato Scholarship Award.
• CDT Onesimo Vivar-Vega, an MS II, received six honors, including the American Legion Award - Post #177, Superior Cadet Award, two ROTC scholarships, the Mahoning Valley SAR Bronze ROTC Medal, and the Carl A. Nunziato Scholarship.
• CDT Adrianna Yorlano, MS I, received the Superior Cadet Award, three ROTC scholarships, and the Carl A. Nunziato Scholarship.
• CDT Nick Johnson, MS III, earned the American Legion Award - Post #301, the MOAA Award, and the ROA Gold Award. He was also selected to serve as Cadet Battalion Commander for Fall 2025.