WKBN anchor among college’s Mentor of the Year award recipients

GREENVILLE, Pa. (WKBN) — At Thiel College on Friday, the third annual Mentor of the Year event celebrated alumni, educators and professionals for their impacts and connections within the community — First News’ own Lindsey Watson was one of those honored.

The event, part of the Thiel College Mentor of the Year initiative, highlights the professional and civic impacts of the honored individuals, celebrating the deep connections they foster within the community. This initiative is aimed at highlighting the network and acknowledging distinguished educators and professionals in the region.

Thiel College students nominated 33 teachers from 21 districts across the region, basing their nominations on the impact these educators had on their students during high school. Over 3,000 votes determined the recipients.

The 2024 Mentor of the Year Professional honorees are as follows:

• James Pedas Communication Professional: Lindsey Watson, News Anchor, WKBN
• Simon Chiu Science Professional: Mark Marmo ’93, CEO, Deep Well Services
• Leah Dever Women in STEM Professional: Susan Calderbank, D.M.D., Director of Patient Care, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Dentistry
• Gary Witosky Business Professional: Dotun Akinwale Jr. ’13, Assistant General Manager, Charlotte Hornets
• Thiel College Education Professional: Corey Russell ’07, Principal, Euclid High School
• Thiel College Leadership in the Arts: Dr. Louis Zona H’18, Executive Director, Butler Institute of American Art

Six educators were also recognized as Mentors of the Year:

• Sarah Taylor-Rogers Women in STEM: Miranda Callihan, Karns City High School
• Patrick Hecking Science Educator: Jeffry Sposito, Sharpsville High School
• Sandy Parker Business Educator: Scott Weaver, Reynolds High School
• Jim Cunningham ’77 Media Mentor: Matthew Gehly, Greenville High School
• Thiel College Education Professional: Debra Bushey, Derry Area High School
• Thiel College Performing Arts Mentor: James Dutko, Jamestown High School

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