FARRELL

When the village is done raising a child, sometimes that child stays in the village and contributes to the raising of the next generation of children.

Farrell honored three people Saturday that are setting the standard for how that next generation will be raised, and two members of that generation who are following their lead.

On the last day of Farrell Homecoming, the city named Annette Morrison and Frank Faylo Farrell Citizens of the Year, Shar-Dai Peagler and Jordan Wilkins Junior Citizens of the Year, and Charles Sanitate winner of the Farrell Area School District Alumni Association Blue and Gold Award.

School superintendent Richard R. Rubano Jr. said the Farrell community can learn something from the awardees.

"Each and every one of us has an obligation to model that behavior for our young people," he said.

Ms. Morrison, honored for her volunteer work as cheerleader adviser, her work with athletic groups, at the Salvation Army and at Cedar Avenue Church of God and with Mercer County Housing Authority in organizing the May Ball and programs at the community center in Farrell, described herself as a product of the village.

"Through the teachers and the raising of Farrell, I am what I am today," said the assistant director of the Prince of Peace Center, Farrell.

Ms. Morrison, of 250 Shenango Blvd., said she learned the spirit of volunteerism from her father, Cecil Hulley, who died when she was 14.

"I never ask for any recognition," she said.

Faylo, of 802 Wallis Ave., can be seen around town cutting grass in vacant lots, trimming weeds along sidewalks, picking up garbage and shoveling snow.

While acknowledging it's important for the town to look its best, Mayor William Morocco said there is too much territory for city employees to maintain all the property it is responsible for.

"We just cannot do it all," Morocco said.

Which is where Faylo comes in.

Faylo showed pictures of a block of Emerson Avenue before he started work on it and afterward. The sidewalk was grown over with grass, but Faylo clipped it off, leaving a sidewalk that looked close to brand new.

"The sidewalks of Farrell haven't been cleaned up since they were installed," he said, asking for volunteers to help him.

Faylo, 71, who was honored with a city proclamation in 1998, said he's out "just about every day."

"I love it," said the retired former employee of Westinghouse Electric Corp. -- Sharon Transformer Division. "It's good exercise for me. It helps my immune system, helps keep my free of disease and keeps my weight down."

Faylo said he plans to use the $500 that comes with the award to repair his lawn mowers and buy gasoline.

Shar-Dai's volunteer activities include helping organize the May Ball, grading papers and filing for her teachers and typing for the Steel City Terrace Resident Council, of which her mother, Ramona, is secretary.

"I like volunteering in my community and helping out," said Shar-Dai, 16, of 210 Wallis Ave., the daughter of Lonnie Black of Grafton, Ohio.

Lisa Oliver, who teaches English at the high school, touted Shar-Dai for founding Kids Inspiring Dreams, an after-school program in which she tutors younger students, helps them with homework and works to improve their learning skills.

"Shar-Dai is concerned about the youth in her community and is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children," Ms. Oliver said.

Jordan was not present to receive his award. The elementary school student from 333 Hamilton was honored for his politeness, courteousness and positive attitude.

Sanitate, a 1963 Farrell High graduate, is the school principal and has been employed by the district for 34 years in roles such as secondary English teacher, dean of students and conduct specialist.

"The students are my number one concern," said the West Middlesex resident.

Sanitate called the award humbling.

"This will definitely have a place in my house," he said. "I might even make a shrine to this."

Ted Pedas created the Citizen and Junior Citizen awards last summer at the Farrell Centennial, when he was named Farrell Centurion.