Gentile receives legislative leadership award for commitment to education

Lou Gentile

COLUMBUS, OH — Senator Lou Gentile (D-Steubenville) received the 2014 Ohio Educational Service Center Association’s Legislative Leadership Award for his dedication to strengthening Ohio’s education system. The award program, which began in 1985, recognizes outstanding ESC and school district board members, as well as elected officials.

“This program symbolizes the very heart and essence of Ohio’s 53 Educational Service Centers—pooling exemplary leaders, community resources, businesses, industries and government together to better serve Ohio school districts and Ohio’s youth regardless of where they live and attend school. We are honored to recognize Senator Gentile for his dedicated commitment to public service,” said OESCA Executive Director Craig Burford.

Gentile was nominated by Jefferson County Educational Service Center Superintendent George Ash as well as the Jefferson County ESC’s Governing Board, and was formally recognized during the 29th Annual Capital Conference Awards and Recognition Program in Columbus.

“I am deeply honored to receive such a prestigious award from the OESCA,” said Gentile. “I am humbled to be recognized by so many dedicated and talented education professionals. Together, we share a commitment to ensuring our school districts have the resources they need to provide a quality education for Ohio's children. I will continue to work with Ohio's ESCs to encourage the General Assembly to invest in public education and make educating our children a top priority.”

Gentile represents Jefferson, Belmont, Harrison, Carroll, Monroe, Noble, Meigs, Washington and portions of Athens and Vinton Counties.