The advisory committee of Sister Jerome’s Mission, a program of the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown, will honor Clarence R. ‘Sonny’ Smith Jr. at a dinner celebration set for Sun., Oct. 9 at the Maronite Center, Meridian Rd., Youngstown.
      Smith is a long-time friend and major supporter of Sister Jerome and her ministries and serves on the advisory committee of Sister Jerome’s Mission, which through its Mission College program helps capable, hard-working college students from low-income families break the cycle of generational poverty.
      Sister Jerome’s Mission College program pairs these first-generation college students with knowledgeable mentors and provides financial assistance so they can earn their degrees and enter the world of work well-prepared for careers that will enable them to support themselves and their families.
      Smith, the former Mahoning County Republican chairman, led Diamond Steel, a company founded by his father more than 85 years ago, established Compco Industries and Compco Land Co., both of Columbiana, and has been instrumental in the start-ups of several other area businesses. Recently Compco purchased QFM, a metal stamping company. Smith’s success enables him to support many philanthropic organizations and causes.
      In 2002, Smith was chosen as Penguin of the Year by the Youngstown State University Penguin Club. He is a member of the Mahoning Valley Council of Churches and Organization of Protestant Men; and a former member of Boardman United Methodist Church and current member of Greenford Christian Chutch.
      Smith is married to the former Rosemarie Poschner and they have been married for 66 years. Providing a solid education to the region’s young people has been and remains at the heart of many of those activities, including Sister Jerome’s Mission College program.
      For more information or an invitation to the event, call Sister Jerome’s Mission at 330-259-8765.