SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP —
Devae Diodati’s face creases with concentration as she holds the small part in her hand.
Carefully she explains the significance of what she is doing, about why exactly she chose to bring the rear axle of a 2000 Crown Victoria to Lakeside High School on Tuesday for the 2012 Ashtabula County Schools Mentorship Experience,.
Students from across the county showed off their knowledge and newfound experience in medical, legal, automotive, and culinary industries at the annual judging of their presentations.
The students are competing for scholarships from Cristal Global/Millennium Inorganic Chemicals, Ashtabula Dental Associates, the Robert S. Morrison Foundation, the Ashtabula Rotary Foundation and the Star Beacon.
The scholarship awards are based on program-required presentations, judged Tuesday by local business and community leaders. The winners will be announced on Thursday.
The mentorship program is sponsored by Growth Partnership.
Judge Debbi Waring said she was amazed at the experiences the students had to share.
“The projects are really just amazing,” she said. “I can really see how much time and effort went into them. (Diodati) really blew me away with her enthusiasm for what she does.”
Mallory McBee, of Geneva High School, spent her mentorship with the Ashtabula County Medical Center. She hopes to attend Ohio State University for pre-med or biology.
“I am really hoping to win some scholarship money,” she said. “Every dollar counts when you are saving for college.”
Nick Strader of Conneaut High School showcased the difference between real law and TV law. He spent his mentorship with Iarrocci Law Firm.
“'Law and Order’ depicts law as always being exciting, always being in the courtroom in front of a judge and jury,” he said. “Real law isn’t like that. I learned that most of the work is done behind the scenes with research and paperwork.”
Diodati said she is working towards a degree at the Universal Technology Institute with a specialization in automotive or diesel technology.
“Or maybe I can do both,” she said. “Depending on my luck.”
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