Medina County District Library awarded grant for Teen Reading Program

The Medina County District Library (MCDL) has been selected as one of 29 libraries across the nation to participate in the Great Stories Club, an initiative promoting reading and discussions among underserved teenagers. Sponsored by the American Library Association, MCDL's involvement will see its staff collaborating with teenagers residing in the Medina County Juvenile Detention Center. Teen Librarian Sean Rapacki and his team will lead book discussions centered around selected titles, including  Victories Greater Than Death " by Charlie Jane Anders,  Across a Field of Starlight  by Blue Delliquanti,  The Marrow Thieves  by Cherie Dimaline, "The Sound of Stars" by Alechia Dow, and " War Girls " by Tochi Onyebuchi. MCDL's Assistant Director Suzie Muniak expressed enthusiasm, highlighting the grant's significance in reaching underserved audiences.

In an admirable display of community engagement, Medina High School seniors have transformed their parking spots into artistic expressions and charitable acts. Selling out all available parking spots, students submitted creative sketches and donated an extra $20 to benefit local charities. This year's recipient of the proceeds is the Multiple Sclerosis Society, chosen through a student vote. The event was organized by Student Council advisors Laura Calaiacovo, Erin Puskas, and Justin Brantner, along with Medina High School teacher Mike O'Brien. This initiative showcases the students' commitment to both artistic expression and philanthropy.

The United Way of Summit and Medina is gearing up for its annual Taste of Medina County event. This culinary celebration brings together local restaurants, offering attendees the chance to sample various dishes, vote for favorites, and enjoy live music, an open bar, and raffles. Set for September 7 at the Blair Center at Westfield in Westfield Township, the event's proceeds will support United Way's services for the Medina County community. Malorie Kormos, Vice President of Marketing, Major Gifts and Individual Giving for United Way, expressed pride in the collaboration with sponsors and restaurants, emphasizing the positive impact of the funds raised on Medina County residents.

In recognition of academic excellence, Quinn Gerney from Wadsworth has earned a spot on the  
Dean's list for the   Spring 2023 semester at Mount St. Mary's University. Students achieving a grade point average of 3.4 or higher qualify for this distinction. Gerney's achievement highlights their dedication to their studies and commitment to academic success.

The convergence of literature, community engagement, and academic accomplishments underscores the vibrancy of the Medina County community and its dedication to growth and positive impact.