The start of Summer ‘22 may have meant the end of the school year for most students, but for four talented Lawrence County CTC students enrolled in Mr. DeRosa's Commercial Arts program, the learning continued.

Each year talented teens who make the cut get the opportunity to study under world-renowned artists in media such as glassworking, blacksmithing, painting, drawing, ceramics, and fine metalsmithing during a very special week, organized just for young artists. This summer, four LCCTC CA students were welcomed to join the talented class list. We are proud to share that seniors Tommilynn Genareo (Shenango), Katherine Tillia (Ellwood), and juniors Leo Drespling (Laurel), and Leanna Miller (Laurel) were awarded full scholarships to study during Touchstone Teen Week (July 17-22) at the Touchstone Center for the Crafts based on the merit of their portfolios and entry applications.

Touchstone,a craft school founded over 50 years ago, rests on a 135-acre mountainside in the Laurel Highlands. During the week, students live in rustic cabins and all expenses are covered by the scholarship valued at over $1,000 each. Nestled in the Laurel Highlands, what an inspirational setting it certainly is!

“I was able to socialize much more than what I’m used to,” states Tommilynn. A setting like this allowed the crew from LCCTC to bond over shared experiences of frustration and success.

Katie agrees, stating, “I really enjoyed getting to know my classmates on a deeper level, and I felt comfortable both giving and receiving much-needed encouragement.”

“One of the biggest challenges for me during the week, “ states Tommilynn, “became one of my best works of art! I certainly learned to not give up whenever I got frustrated.”

Tommilynn had the opportunity to study soft media drawing with artist Ashley A. Jones of Pittsburgh and Leo, and Leanna elected to study glassworking with artist Michael “Fig” Mangiafico.

Katherine Tillia also studied glassworking and certainly shared in the challenge. “I attempted to implode the glass to make it look like there was a flower inside of one of the marbles. It didn’t turn out to be a marble, but it did end up being one of my favorite pieces — despite the initial frustration.” She did state that she could see herself getting into glassworking again in the future and that she appreciates having had the experience.

“I will take with me the skills I learned from my teacher,” shares Tommilynn. “She allowed me to experiment with different materials that I do not have access to otherwise.”

Thinking of her future, Tommilynn reveals, “I can not wait ‘til I can come back, possibly as a college student.”

Despite a setback or two, knowing that hard work is the key to any success, our students never stop rising — even when school’s out for summer!