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Trinity Health System Nurse Clara Potenzini Honored with Prestigious DAISY Award for Extraordinary Care

Recognized for her unwavering compassion, dedication, and clinical excellence, and dedication.

Steubenville, Ohio, July 17, 2026--Clara Potenzini of Trinity Health System was recently honored with The DAISY Award® For Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's programs to recognize the superhuman efforts nurses perform every day.  

The nomination submitted for Potenzini read: “She is a fantastic nurse, a dedicated patient advocate, a preceptor, and a mentor to so many of our staff members.”

Potenzini consistently goes above and beyond for her patients and their families every day, and she is truly loved by them. In fact, she has received the most award nominations at our facility.

The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, Calif., and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. 

Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little-known but not uncommon autoimmune disease. The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique way of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.  

"When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced firsthand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night,” Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, Doctor of Humane Letters (h.c) and Co-Founder of The DAISY Foundation, said. “Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the superhuman work they do. The kind of work the nurses at Trinity Health System are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.”

“Clara has compassion and holds her staff accountable,” Wendy Ralston, Director of Nursing, Trinity Health System, said. “She is the true definition of a patient advocate.”  

In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 5,000 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders; Nurses Advancing Health Equity; Nursing Faculty; Nursing Students; Lifetime Achievement in Nursing; and through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects, Medical Mission Grants, and their new Health Equity Grant programs. For more information and for a complete listing of healthcare organizations currently running the program, please go to http://DAISYfoundation.org.

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Trinity Health System Nurse Clara Potenzini Honored with Prestigious DAISY Award for Extraordinary Care

Recognized for her unwavering compassion, dedication, and clinical excellence, and dedication. Steubenville, Ohio, July 17, 2026--Clara Potenzini of Trinity Health System was recently honored with The DAISY Award® For Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's programs to recognize the superhuman efforts nurses perform every day.   The nomination submitted for Potenzini read: “She is a fantastic nurse, a dedicated patient advocate, a preceptor, and a mentor to so many of our staff members.” Potenzini consistently goes above and beyond for her patients and their families every day, and she is truly loved by them. In fact, she has received the most award nominations at our facility. The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, Calif., and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes.  Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little-known but not uncommon autoimmune disease. The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique way of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.   "When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced firsthand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night,” Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, Doctor of Humane Letters (h.c) and Co-Founder of The DAISY Foundation, said. “Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the superhuman work they do. The kind of work the nurses at Trinity Health System are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.” “Clara has compassion and holds her staff accountable,” Wendy Ralston, Director of Nursing, Trinity Health System, said. “She is the true definition of a patient advocate.”   In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 5,000 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders; Nurses Advancing Health Equity; Nursing Faculty; Nursing Students; Lifetime Achievement in Nursing; and through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects, Medical Mission Grants, and their new Health Equity Grant programs. For more information and for a complete listing of healthcare organizations currently running the program, please go to http://DAISYfoundation.org. Read the full article

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Treasurer Pack Announces Easier Way to Open a SMART529 College Savings Account

CHARLESTON W.Va. – State Treasurer Larry Pack today announced that families can now open a SMART529 College Savings account more easily than ever before following recent enhancements to the program’s online enrollment process. “Making it easier for families to start saving for their child’s future is always a priority,” Treasurer Pack said. “These updates simplify and modernize the process of opening a SMART529 account, making it faster for families to begin saving for future education expenses.” For the first time, families can also open a SMART529 College Savings account directly through the READYSAVE 529 mobile app. Previously, the app was only available for existing account management.  The enhanced enrollment process provides a seamless experience whether families choose to open an account on a desktop computer, mobile device, or through the READYSAVE 529 mobile app. Recent data from 529 plans that have adopted the updated enrollment experience shows an 8 percent increase in initial contribution amounts, a 14 percent increase in recurring contribution amounts and a 16 percent increase in the number of savers making both an initial contribution and ongoing recurring contributions. By simplifying the enrollment process and expanding access through the READYSAVE 529 mobile app, SMART529 continues to make it easier for West Virginia families to start saving for the future. SMART529 is a qualified tuition program issued by the Board of Trustees of the West Virginia College and Jumpstart Savings Programs and administered by Hartford Funds. Complete information about SMART529 plans and investment options is available at www.SMART529.com. Read the full article

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US Government Reaches $4.17 Million Civil Settlement and Three-Year Compliance Agreement with WVU Health System Over Controlled Substance Violations

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA — The United States Attorney’s Offices for the Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia announced today that West Virginia United Health System, Inc., doing business as West Virginia University Health System (WVUHS), has agreed to pay $4,177,139 and enter a Memorandum of Agreement to resolve civil allegations that it violated multiple provisions of the Controlled Substances Act across various registered facilities over a seven-year span. Pursuant to a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigation, the United States identified that WVUHS committed numerous recordkeeping and reporting violations between 2017 and 2024. WVUHS facilities failed to notify the DEA regarding thefts or significant losses of controlled substances. In addition to these failures to report, other violations included errors in orders regarding controlled substances; failures to maintain accurate and current inventory records; failures to ensure proper authority for use of DEA order forms; maintaining policies and procedures not fully consistent with the requirements of the Controlled Substance Act; and other administrative violations. “The DEA Diversion Investigators who worked this matter should be commended for uncovering failures that put controlled substances at risk of diversion, and their work has undoubtedly made West Virginia a safer place,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Prezioso. “When a healthcare system controls large quantities of addictive medications, strict compliance with the Controlled Substances Act is necessary to protect the public. This settlement, along with the corresponding Memorandum of Agreement, demands accountability and mandates meaningful reform across WVUHS.” In addition to the civil monetary settlement, WVUHS has signed a comprehensive, three‑year Memorandum of Agreement with the DEA. The Memorandum of Agreement imposes detailed systemwide compliance requirements, including additional diversion oversight; rapid reporting of thefts or losses; installing hundreds of security cameras at controlled substance storage sites; enhancing training and auditing procedures; and other policy improvements to detect, investigate, and prevent diversion. “Hospital systems stockpile controlled medications with a high potential for abuse, so it’s imperative that they safeguard those drugs and maintain accurate records to prevent diversion,” said Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott, head of DEA’s Louisville Field Division. “The multi-million dollar fine levied against the WVUHS in this case reflects the serious nature of their failure to meet their obligations in accordance with the Controlled Substances Act.” This case was litigated on behalf of the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Prezioso, Jordan V. Palmer, and Stephanie K. Savino, from the Northern District of West Virginia, and Greg Neil of the Southern District of West Virginia. It is also the result of tireless efforts by DEA Diversion Investigators. For questions about the settlement or the terms of the MOA, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia. Read the settlement agreement here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/media/1452226/dl?inlineOA, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia. Read the settlement agreement here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/media/1452226/dl?inline Read the full article

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JCESC Road to Success Going Strong with 500th Young Driver

STEUBENVILLE – The Jefferson County Educational Service Center Road to Success program has proven its worth, now celebrating the 500th student who has taken the course and will go on to earn a driver’s license. Active since September of 2024, Road to Success instructors are based in Steubenville City Schools, the Jefferson County JVS, Toronto City Schools, Harrison Hills City Schools, Buckeye Local, Indian Creek, Edison Local and Carrollton Exempted Village Schools. The program has a broad reach, also serving students who attend online schools and local colleges. the instructors are teachers, coaches, resource officers and other personnel. New drivers can begin behind-the-wheel lessons at age 15 years and six months. Road to Success manager Tom Mort said they are adding three instructors, putting the program at 11, with two more expected to meet the rising demand. Word got around quickly as students who took the class told their friends, and others saw their classmates driving and wanted the freedom a driver’s license represents. A student with a license can drive to their own sports practices and other extracurricular activities, as well as more easily find employment. “That’s how it spreads, because we’ve got a great product,” Mort said. “We’ve built something really, really good here.” Road to Success stands apart, being set up uniquely to meet students’ schedules and begin preparing them right away. “The advantage we have is that we’re school-based,” he said. “Our instructors, a lot of them are teachers in the school so the kids are familiar with them.” A young driver who wants to earn a license can find an instructor readily available. “We have the same schedule as the kids, and that makes all the difference.” One recent student was behind the wheel the same day she signed up for the program. Students are also easily able to ask for details about the rules of the road if they are unsure. “They’re able to text us. We work through the parents,” Mort said. “Our rate is 100% of passing. Not all pass on the first time, but every single kid who’s gone through our program has their license.” Mort has worked for a driving school for 17 years. He said an unfamiliar instructor is one of the common anxieties that make beginning drivers nervous. “They’re scared to death to get into a car anyway, and then you get into a car with someone you don’t know,” he said. “That level of anxiety’s gone, because they’re getting into a car with somebody who’s in their school system or somebody that they know. That’s huge.” Dr. Nicole McDonald, Road to Success Director and JCESC Director of Grants, is proud of the program. When a student registers, the instructor reaches out to the family to work out when to hold instructions and where to pick them up rather than be tied to a single schedule for all learners. “We drive when it’s convenient to the driver and it’s convenient for the kids,” she said. “They know these instructors from the schools and they specifically ask for them. That speaks volumes when kids are actively reaching out, calling our school because they know he drives there.” Road to Success is a 24-hour course with eight hours behind the wheel. Students have 180 days to complete. McDonald added the program has eight cars to work with. They are well-maintained and include safety measures such as a recording system. “Our inspector comes in and they always say we have the best cars in the state. They’re state of the art,” McDonald said. Students get experience navigating intersections, entering and exiting highways, driving at higher rates of speed and in other situations including county roads and back roads. McDonald said there are currently 100 students taking the class online, and an average of 55 students driving, particularly during the summer months. “I’ve even had some calls of students who’ve taken their online coursework through a different driving school, asking if they could come drive with us and that’s absolutely possible,” she said. “It’s picking up steam. Daily we have kids registering to drive.” McDonald searches out scholarships and ways to help students pay for the course. The Kara Bright Foundation has provided 140 scholarships. Road to Success has also received the Drive to Succeed grant through the state, which has given 188 student scholarships, meaning 328 out of the 500 students have received free driver’s education. She said if families are SNAP eligible they can be connected to options to pay for driver’s education. McDonald noted the program is well-established. “Every month we’re growing and growing in numbers, and I really do think it’s the convenience. It’s the affordability,” she said. Mort expects the demand will only grow with changes in state law requiring those younger than 21 to take driver’s education. McDonald added safety is a priority and instructors are thoroughly vetted with background checks and identification badges when picking up students. They also have a subscription through Ford Pro. Until the end of August and while supplies last, a free coupon is available for students to take the 24 hours of online coursework. For more details, email [email protected]. Anyone interested in Road to Success can learn more at participating schools. They can also register at the JCESC website, https://www.jcesc.k12.oh.us/roadtosuccess.aspx. Read the full article

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Marshall County's Jennifer Pickett Among WV Chamber Foundation's 2027 School Counselor of the Year Finalists

Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Chamber Foundation proudly announces finalists for the 2027 West Virginia School Counselor of the Year (COY). Chosen from county school counselor of the year winners across grade levels statewide, these finalists are committed to ensuring student success by providing services that support academic achievement, career development and social/emotional growth. Working in partnership with the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE), the Chamber Foundation will reveal state winners during the 2026-27 Champions of Learning Gala on Sept. 8, 2026, in Charleston.   New in 2026, the Champions of Learning recognition program was established to shine a light on the work of professional staff within county school systems who are essential to supporting the whole child. The 2027 COY finalists are as follows: Jennifer Pickett Jennifer Pickett has served as a school counselor in Marshall County since 2005. She began her journey after earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wheeling University. She also earned a Master of Arts in Community Counseling from West Virginia University. During her counseling internship at the Belmont County (Ohio) alternative program, Pickett served as the senior high therapist for the alternative high school classroom. Throughout her career, she has impacted countless students across the county, serving at several schools before establishing long-term roots at McNinch Primary School. Pickett finds it especially fulfilling to work with students in their early, formative years. She focuses heavily on safety, emotion regulation and character education, while also highlighting the importance of academic growth. Hilary Gibson Hilary Gibson is a school counselor at Huntington High School (HHS) in Cabell County known for her commitment to student-centered, creative and dedicated student support. She brings more than a decade of experience working with students across multiple grade levels. Her work focuses on creating meaningful, positive relationships within her school community and ensuring all students feel seen, known and heard. Gibson earned both a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Marshall University. Throughout her seven years at HHS, Gibson has strengthened schoolwide systems by collaborating to implement a consistent Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports framework utilizing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. This work ensures students have access to structured supports that prepare them for their next steps beyond high school graduation. Miriam Mason Miriam Mason is a school counselor at Mylan Park Elementary School in Monongalia County. She serves students in a Title I setting and leads wellness initiatives as the school's wellness coordinator. Mason earned her Master of Arts in Counseling, holds credentials as a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor, is a Certified Mental Health and Nutrition Clinical Specialist and is also an active member of both the West Virginia School Counselor Association and the American School Counselor Association. She uses data-informed strategies to support student outcomes in attendance, behavior and academic achievement while advocating for equitable access to mental health services. Mason implements the school’s comprehensive counseling programming through the American School Counselor Association framework and The Regulated Classroom: Bottom-Up, Trauma-Informed Teaching Practices. In addition to her work in the school setting, Mason provides counseling services in private practice, where she supports clients across all ages and integrates a holistic, wellness-based approach to care. She also supervises graduate counseling interns from West Virginia University and mentors fellow counselors within her county. She has presented at professional conferences and collaborates with community partners to expand access to resources for students and families. Angguna Rowe Angguna Rowe serves as the school counselor at Huff Consolidated Elementary and Middle School in Wyoming County. Rowe is a licensed professional counselor, an approved licensed professional supervisor and a nationally certified counselor with specialized training in clinical trauma. She is passionate about supporting students’ academic, social/emotional and career development through relationship-centered, evidence-based practices. Rowe’s work focuses on removing barriers to learning, strengthening attendance and engagement, supporting mental wellness and helping students build resilience and confidence. In addition to school counseling, she is the founder of HomeTown Professional Counseling and serves as a clinical counselor at West Virginia University (WVU) Medicine Behavioral Health Pavilion of the Virginias. Rowe earned a Master of Education in School Counseling with a clinical counseling endorsement from Liberty University and a Regents Bachelor of Arts degree with a minor in Child Development and Human Services from WVU. Additionally, she completed the Apprenticeship for Child Development Specialist sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Labor and previously studied education at Bluefield State College. Rowe has presented on youth mental health and student wellness at the West Virginia School Counseling Conference and the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships GEAR UP annual conference. She believes every child deserves to feel seen, supported and empowered to reach their fullest potential. Dabney Sheetz Dabney Sheetz is a 21-year veteran school counselor currently serving at Frankfort Elementary School in Mineral County. Throughout her career, she has served elementary, middle and high school populations, including alternative settings. Presently, Sheetz serves third- and fourth-grade students in the classroom and in small groups. She earned both a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in secondary social studies from Virginia Tech. She also holds a Master of Education in School Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University. Sheetz worked for five years as a secondary social studies teacher before attending Virginia Commonwealth University to pursue a career in school counseling. “School counselors work alongside educators, families and community partners to ensure that students are prepared to become productive, well-adjusted members of society. By supporting the whole child, their work is instrumental in establishing a welcoming environment conducive to every student’s success. The selflessness of these finalists is inspiring, and I look forward to celebrating them in September.”— Michele L. Blatt, State Superintendent of Schools Read the full article

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Trinity Health System School of Medical Laboratory Science Celebrates 2026 Graduates

Steubenville, Ohio, June 30, 2026— On Thursday, June 18, 2026, the Trinity Health System School of Medical Laboratory Science graduated its seventh class, comprised of Aliyah Pattie and Audrey Poole. The graduation ceremony was held in the Trinity West Chapel, followed by a reception in the Sullivan Room. Trinity Health System’s Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program spans 11 months and is designed for students who hold a Bachelor of Science in Biology or a related field or who are completing a Medical Laboratory Science degree at Youngstown State University (YSU). “Aliyah and Audrey excelled in both the didactic and practicum portions of the program,” Constance L. Moore, M.Ed., MLS (ASCP)CM, Program Director, Trinity Health System School of Medical Laboratory Science, said. “Their dedication and enthusiasm for learning laboratory medicine was evident in their success. During National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, they took that excitement to the cafeteria in the form of a question/answer game for visitors and employees alike, complete with chances to win a gift basket.” Pattie is a graduate of Youngstown State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry. Poole is a graduate of Slippery Rock University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Pattie has been hired by Mercy Health - St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio, and Poole has been hired as a generalist in the Trinity Health System laboratory, where she will work in all departments within the lab. “Audrey lives in the area, and we are excited to retain graduates for employment,” Moore said. “This is one of the reasons the program exists.” During the THS MLS program, students are exposed to all major laboratory disciplines—including Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, Immunology, Urinalysis, and Blood Bank—through both hands-on practicum and classroom instruction. Another element of the curriculum is a Special Project, which allows the students to experience the supervisory and administrative aspects of laboratory testing. This year’s projects included the validation of a test kit for the diagnosis of a type of gastroenteritis and the feasibility of switching testing platforms for MRSA screening, both of which demonstrated a strong link between academic rigor and real-world impact on patient care. The MLS program culminates with a certificate that allows the graduates to take a national certification exam through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). “This Board of Certification exam verifies the students' knowledge and critical thinking skills, which MLSs use every day in their work,” Moore said. “It also allows the graduates to command a higher salary than someone who is not certified. Both students have taken and passed the exam already and are eager to begin practicing what they've learned in the program.” While most patients see doctors, nurses, and other allied health professionals, including the phlebotomist who draws a patient's blood, medical laboratory scientists and technicians perform complex tests behind the scenes. Working both manually and with sophisticated instrumentation, they provide the critical data doctors rely on to make accurate decisions about diagnosis and treatment. “Most people don't think about what happens to that blood or other body fluid specimen once it leaves the patient's bedside,” Moore said. “But the laboratory professionals who perform the testing are working around the clock to provide physicians with the needed knowledge to diagnose, treat, and monitor their patients. Through outreach presentations to elementary, middle, and high schools, we try to educate the public on the vital role played by the MLS and to generate interest in the profession. We hope to establish more affiliations with local universities to accept their qualified students into the program.” According to Moore, the THS MLS School maintains an exceptional track record, boasting a 100 percent graduation rate, 100 percent employment rate, 100 percent pass rate for certification, and full 10-year accreditation by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). While most graduates tend to stay in the Ohio Valley, alumni are employed in many different states, including Idaho, Maine, and Georgia—and one even works at Sea World in San Diego, California. More information can be found at www.trinityhealth.com under the “Services” tab or by contacting Moore at 740-264-8447 or via email at [email protected]. If you would like to interview Moore for your publication or broadcast, please let Laurie Labishak know using the contact information provided in the header of this press release. Read the full article

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Treasurer Pack Announces Expanded Hope Scholarship Qualifying Expenses, Military Service Member Policy

Hope Scholarship Board Disqualifies School, Places Another on Probation CHARLESTON, W.Va. – State Treasurer Larry Pack, who serves as Chairman of the Hope Scholarship Board, announced the Board has authorized the expansion of various qualifying expenses, including the ability for families to purchase lifetime digital curriculum subscriptions, as well as a Quarterly Funding Policy, an updated Military Member Service Policy, and actions against schools involved with fraud. “It is vital that we continue to provide flexibility and additional options to parents so they can best meet the needs of their children,” Treasurer Pack said following last week’s Board meeting. “West Virginia has a proud history of military service and I am honored to help extend opportunities to families that have dedicated their lives defending our freedoms.” The Board also adopted a Quarterly Funding Policy in response to legislation signed into law modifying scholarship disbursements from biannual to quarterly. The new policy will help to streamline the funding process and ensure timely payments to participating families. To receive a quarterly funding distribution in August, students must have turned in all required documentation and be in Approved status by no later than August 1. Students not meeting that criteria will have to wait until the October quarter to receive funding.  The Military Service Member Policy that was adopted in November 2024 was also updated to permit active duty military service members that are required to relocate with permanent military orders to remain eligible and participate in the Hope Scholarship Program. Additionally, the Board acted to permanently disqualify Tygart Valley Christian Academy from participation in the Hope Scholarship Program for financial misconduct.  “We want to make clear that while there is very little fraud and misconduct in the Hope Scholarship Program, we want to take swift and decisive action when our investigations warrant it,” Treasurer Pack said. Furthermore, the Board placed Laurel Academy on probation due to violations of program rules. The school will be required to come into compliance with all program requirements during the probationary period. The Treasurer’s Office continues to gather evidence and additional information regarding these ongoing investigations. For more information on the Hope Scholarship, visit www.HopeScholarshipWV.gov. Read the full article