Introduced in 2023, Youngstown Honors is a employee recognition gala at Youngstown City Schools that recognizes district teachers, support staff, administrators, and retirees who demonstrate exceptional leadership. Awards in numerous categories recognize our educators outstanding efforts in supporting our scholars with educational opportunities, and fostering an environment of excellence.
Congratulations to the 2025
Youngstown Honors Recipients!
*Click the hyperlinks to view the complete lists
Years of Service Award
2025 Sponsors
Thank you to our generous sponsors for making the Youngstown Honors event possible!
Gold Star Sponsor
MinuteMen OhioComp
Baker & Hostetler LLP
Silver Star Sponsor
Sedgwick
TEMA Roofing Services
Bronze Star Sponsor
Dedicated School Staffing
Medical Mutual
Phantom Fireworks
The Red Zone
YSU Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, and Education
Star Sponsor
Assured Partners
RedTree Investment Group
Star Supporter
DiRusso’s Sausage, Inc.
Meijers
Sherman Creative
Star Bargain Outlet
Studies Weekly
Tomtreyco, Inc.
Door Prize/Dessert Table Donations
Chick-fil-A - Tiffany Square
Cleveland Cavaliers
Covelli Enterprises
DoubleTree by Hilton
Go Guardian
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Schwebel’s
Tomtreyco, Inc.
Ava Yeager
Award Categories
Teacher of the Year: The Youngstown Teacher of the Year candidate will be selected based on their contribution to the school, excellence in the classroom, leadership abilities, citizenship, community involvement, and going above and beyond for scholars.
Deb DiFrancesco Principal of the Year: Candidates must have four years of experience as an administrator, create a climate of inquiry, build a sense of efficacy and empowerment, create opportunities for families, staff, and the community to engage with the school, and ensure the school is a professional learning community.
Administrator of the Year: The Outstanding School Administrator Award honors a school administrator whose leadership made a significant contribution to the school building, programs, and district.
Newcomer (First-Year Teacher and Support Staff ) Award: The Newcomer Award is awarded to a first-year YCSD educator who demonstrates the drive, stamina, and vision of a career educator. The Newcomer Award is awarded to a First-Year YCSD support staff member for their dedication, professionalism, and excellence in their position.
Coach of the Year (Athletic ): The YCSD Coach of the Year award recognizes the positive impact coaches have on the lives of scholars/peers. Every day, coaches work with scholars/peers to develop self-confidence, ecourage, hard work, and other skills necessary to be successful in life.
Anthony DeNiro Distinguished Service Awards: The award was established to recognize outstanding support staff members for their dedication, professionalism, and excellence in their positions. In addition, teachers or administrators who wear multiple hats outside of their normal roles as teachers/administrators can be nominated for this award.
Superintendent Volunteer Service Award: This award provides an opportunity to honor our most outstanding volunteers and recognize the impact they make to the YCSD family.
Lifetime Achievement Award: This award is granted to an extraordinary individual (current/retired) who devotes/d tireless passion to the YCSD, and dedicates/d their life to accomplishing significant results for the district over the years.