SERVANTS — Recipients of the Lee Alexander West Spiritual Movement 2025 awards were, from left, front, Lynda Glenn; Alexis Leonard; Heather Grimes; Kathi Celestine and Chief Michael Lollini and, back, Ron Salvino; Rick Hicks; Renee Thompson; Cookie West, founder; and Jason Kovalski. -- Christopher Dacanay

STEUBENVILLE — A local organization’s annual award ceremony at the Jeffco Events Center Friday proved to be an emotional evening, honoring those who’ve dedicated their lives to serving others.

For the past 13 years, the Lee Alexander West Spiritual Movement has hosted an awards ceremony to recognize those who go the extra mile in service to their communities. Friday’s ceremony recognized seven local teachers, a youth organization’s founder and the Tiltonsville Fire Department.

A financial benefactor for several local nonprofits, the LAWS Movement is named for the late Lee West, a 15-year-old Steubenville High School freshman who died in a house fire Jan. 31, 2011. Cookie West, Lee West’s mother and leader of the LAWS Movement along with her family, said the ceremony’s purpose is to honor her son’s life and continue his legacy of loving others.

“Lee was sent here to not only bring joy, laughter, love, kindness, compassion, vibrancy to our lives, but he did it in the lives of his classmates, his teammates and his community,” Cookie West said. “So, with that, we’re able to stand here before you and stand on his character and … honor and celebrate all of our recipients tonight.”

Cookie West noted that “the grace of God” is what enabled her and her family to overcome the sorrow of her son’s death and transform the anniversary into a joyful occasion.

The LAWS Movement’s 2025 Teacher Impact Awards were given to Kathi Celestin and Jason Kovalski, Buckeye Local School District; Lynda Glenn, Toronto City School District; Ron Salvino and Rick Hicks, Steubenville City School District; Alexis Leonard, Steubenville Catholic Schools, and Heather Grimes, Edison Local School District.

Teacher awards are determined by nomination, with LAWS Movement members issuing the final decision.

Two anonymous nominations called Celestin one of the best teachers, if not the best, that the writer had ever learned from. She was noted to have a great attitude and concern for students who might be struggling.

With 17 years of teaching experience, Celestin said that the students are “everything to me.” Although it took a “long time” to find her calling in education, Celeste said, “this is what I was meant to do.”

Although not present Friday, student McKayla Grady said that Jason Kovalski — principal at Buckeye Local Junior High — has “supported me through some of the toughest times.” He has an “incredible heart” and never hesitated to lend an ear and be supportive when she was undergoing personal challenges.

Kovalski — who has 27 years of education experience, with the last 15 in administration — said that “you don’t realize the amount of lives you touch” in positions like his. Kovalski thanked his supportive mother, fiancé, staff and teachers, and he noted that students like Grady “remind me why I’m here.”

Of the three students who nominated Glenn, Brandon Hogue was present Friday to speak on his teacher’s positive attitude and unfailing support. Hogue said he nominated Glenn because of her “understanding nature, her persistence and her exceptional ability to teach …”

Glenn commended Cookie West for her work with the LAWS Movement, noting her own kids’ familiarity with Lee West and his athleticism. Describing her roundabout career and entry into education, Glenn said that “sometimes, your plan ends up taking you down a different path” for the better.

Stella Schiappa said she hurried to enroll in Salvino’s class after hearing positive reviews from her older siblings — and she wasn’t disappointed. She “fell in love with the course,” thanks to Salvino’s teaching, which “boosted my passion for the content because he had a passion.”

In his 50th year of teaching, Salvino recalled teaching Lee West, who’d considered becoming an architectural drafter. Salvino said he has fun with his work, and passionate students are what keep him coming back.

Student Lily Kirkpatrick said in her nomination letter that Hicks is a “kindhearted man” and will “do anything for anyone who needs help.” Hicks has not only been an encouraging figure in her band lessons, Kirkpatrick said, but a generous giver who’s not afraid to help or a have a tough conversation.

Hicks noted his gratitude for support he’s received from his mother, wife and other family members, friends and role models. He said that “every educator’s goal is to try to make an impact on as many students as we can, and try to do our best so the students can do their best.”

Alexis Leonard’s nomination came from Steubenville Catholic Schools itself, which praised Leonard’s work with the schools’ HOPE program for special needs students. The program’s curriculum, which Leonard designed, focuses in creating connections between students and the community and helping them participate fully in school activities.

Leonard said her friend was able to teach Lee West before his death, noting how he was a “light and joy” to others. As a special education teacher, Leonard said, successes aren’t celebrated as often as in the typical classroom setting, but to share in students’ joy and perseverance teaches her “more than I could ever teach them.”

John Gregg Elementary School Principal Tammy Burchfield submitted a nomination for Grimes, a special education teacher. Grimes is an “absolute rock star” who’s had a “huge impact” on pre-school students with special needs, and she’s been a positive source of encouragement and advocacy.

Grimes said that working with special needs students — some of whom are non-verbal or have multiple disabilities — can be challenging, but she’s come to understand her role as “their voice.” Always looking to tailor her teaching to a child’s specific needs, Grimes said that “God put me here for a purpose.”

The 2025 Village Impact Award recipient is “imparted by “divine revelation,” Cookie West said. She added that Renee Thompson, founder and executive director of the nonprofit Thee Ambassadors, is perfectly suited for the award due to her selfless leadership and initiatives meant to help young people thrive in the community.

Thompson — whose involvement ranges from Sycamore Youth Center to Urban Mission Ministries Inc. — said she’s driven to touch the lives of youth and their families through her initiatives, noting, “When someone believes in you, everything changes.” Her efforts with Thee Ambassadors, which include free community giveaways, are meant to both provide material resources and “give hope” to those in need.

The 2025 Heart Award recipient is the Tiltonsville Fire Department, which, in 2023, successfully advocated for a 6-mill levy to support the Buckeye Joint Fire District to increase personnel and reduce response times. Forsythe said that the Heart Award is a more recent addition — a way to honor first responders, like to ones who were present the day Lee West died.

Receiving the award on behalf of the department was Chief Michael Lollini, who expressed gratitude for the award and continued community support for the 6-mill levy. Lollini, who began serving with the Tiltonsville department when he was 12, said credit is due to “some of the finest men and women” who he serves alongside and who are always aiming to provide dependable service.