Ohio Representative Mark Romanchuk supported the LeaderRichland program in the spring and recently encouraged a middle school student to learn more about business. He believes that the program is a great opportunity for the students in the county.
“I think it is a huge opportunity for middle school aged kids to be exposed to opportunities that are available to them in the area,” he said.
LeaderRichland is a program founded by Shelby’s Mayor Marilyn John. The program allows junior high students to experience a day on a college campus. Community leaders are also chosen to speak with the students to offer encouragement. Romanchuk is one of those leaders.
Romanchuk is no stranger to hard work and dedication. He is the owner and president of PR Machine Works, Inc., and currently serving his first term in the Ohio House of Representatives. He represents the 2nd Ohio House District, which includes all of Richland County.
Romanchuk said, “This is a great positive movement for the students and the community. We live in a university town, but nobody knows it. We are working to build that stature.” Educating children on the local campuses that are around them can help lead to opportunities for them in future careers.
He stated, “Many times people think they need to go outside the area for different opportunities, but in fact there are plenty here locally.”
Romanchuk enjoyed the experience with LeaderRichland, “I loved the questions that the kids asked and what they had to say.”
He had a meeting recently with a seventh grade student from Mansfield Senior. Romanchuk said, “I will remain in touch with him. I was very impressed with his knowledge, he was very bright.”
Romanchuk suggested that the students of Richland County need to focus on studying in areas where the demands for jobs are high. He said, “We need to start moving our kids into areas of study where there is a demand for jobs that will be waiting for them once they graduate.”
The first-time office holder’s platform includes supporting Richland County in every way he possibly can. He said, “I just wanted to help the community. I want to help turn things around. My hope is to bring businesses, government, and academia together.”
