`Locals excel in volunteerism, studies, sports, community`

By James A. Raykie Jr.
Editor, The Herald

THE HERALD AND NEWSPAPERS across the country are criticized by their readers for a lack of good news. Gleaned from pages of The Herald, these are people deserving a round of applause.

To JAMES E. WINNER Jr. of Clark, who through his financial support of educational achievement by area youth, has an unmatched record of giving to reward such classroom performance. In addition to his many donations, the latest came in the form of 55 gift certificates - each worth $100 - to Sharon High School students at the Academic Boosters Club's annual Academic Achievers banquet. He got the idea for the certificates while driving to work the day of the banquet. His granddaughter, Lindsay Page, lives with him and his wife, Donna. She is a senior at Sharon. ``Through her we've gotten to know several of those honor students,'' Winner told Herald reporter Shawn Starkey. ``I felt compelled to do something for them. They're just great kids. It's a reward for their hard efforts.''
To BILL MIZIK of Delaware Township, who annually brings a bit of New Orleans north to his bar on the square in Mercer. For the last five years, Mizik has served up hundreds of pounds of steamed fresh crawfish at the No Frills Crawfish Boil at Page's Bar, which he owns with his brother, John. The crawfish - all 450 pounds of them - were steamed and seasoned near New Orleans and shipped on an early- morning flight to Pittsburgh, where Bill picked them up. ``That's pretty damn fresh for being stuck up here in the hills,'' he told Herald reporter Gwen Albers.
To STAN KENNEDY of Farrell, who won the 100-meter dash in the WPIAL track and field championships and qualified for this weekend's state championships in Shippensburg. Kennedy, a senior at Farrell High School, was a football standout on both offense and defense for Coach Lou Falconi's PIAA Class A state champions. What made Kennedy's effort more special was the person he beat --Washington High School's Aaron Gatten, a two-time WPIAL sprint champion and Penn State University football recruit.
To DON McANINCH and MARY ALICE PAUL, who have been honored as volunteers of the year by United Community Hospital in Pine Township. McAninch spent 294 hours as a hospital escort and gift shop volunteer, He is president of the volunteer organization. Mrs. Paul logged 356 hours. She volunteers in the hospital's gift shop and ambulatory surgery department. In total, United Community's volunteers worked more than 12,000 hours during the last year.
To ANGELA MODERELLI of Sharpsville, who has been installed as president of the Woman's Club of Sharpsville. Marcia Lenhart, club treasurer, presented the president's pin and gavel to Mrs. Moderelli, whose theme for the year will be ``Endeavor to Touch the Human Heart of Our Community.'' She was installed by Lois Palmer, past director of the Northwestern District and honorary president of the Mercer County Federation of Women's Clubs.
To RUTH SEIFERT of Hermitage, who has been installed as president of Hermitage Woman's Club. A veteran member of the organization, this is Mrs. Seifert's second term as president. She has served the group in a number of other capacities. She and her husband, Bill, have two children and eight grandchildren.
To BETTY GREGGS, who was honored for 40 years of service by United Community Hospital, Pine Township. She was one of many honored for service at a special dinner at Grove City Country Club. Judy Miller was honored for 30 years of service, while Margie Bindas, Mary McDowell, Shyrl Myers, Joanne Noblit, Pat Sellers, Linda Trusel and Nancy Sopher were honored for having a quarter century of service.
To HARRIETT MORRISON and DR. WILLIAM P. ERME, a pair of fixtures at Farrell High School athletic events who have resigned from positions in the district. Erme, team physician for more than 20 years, called it quits, while Morrison stepped down as cheerleading adviser, a post she's had for 30 years. She'll remain as volleyball coach and assistant athletic director.
To JONATHAN HAZI of Reynolds, who came within one match of qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Team Final Trials. Hazi, who wrestles at the University of Pittsburgh, lost in the Central Regional Qualifier at Robert Morris College. Hazi, wrestling in the 105-pound class, was pinned in the championship. Only the champion earns a spot in the trials.

James A. Raykie Jr. is editor of The Herald. This column appears on page A-2 each Sunday.