PAINESVILLE – The Lake County Board of Commissioners hosted an inaugural military signing ceremony on Wednesday, May 14, at the Lake County Courthouse to recognize graduating seniors who have committed to military service.
The ceremony honored students from across the county who have chosen to enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces, participate in collegiate Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs or attend a U.S. service academy.
The ceremony began with a welcome and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the presentation of the colors by members of the Brakeman-King American Legion Post 336 of Painesville, George E. Hayward Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9295 of Mentor and the Cleveland Police Detachment 1410 Marine Corps League of Fairview Park.
Opening remarks were delivered by Morris Beverage III, president of the Lake County Board of Commissioners, and Jonathan Warmeling, executive director and service officer in charge of Lake County Veteran Services.
Students recognized during the ceremony included Brayden Edward Pomnean of Lake Catholic High School, who committed to Navy enlistment as an electronics technician navigation specialist on submarines; Koda Genovese of Lake Catholic High School, who committed to Marine Corps enlistment as a utilities systems technician; Owen Engle of North High School, who will attend Duquesne University through Marine Corps ROTC to study international security studies; and Emma Madsen of Lake Catholic High School, who received a Navy ROTC scholarship to attend the University of South Carolina and study mechanical engineering.
The ceremony also featured remarks from Petty Officer Star Lodwick of the U.S. Navy and concluded with the signing of the inaugural Lake County High School Military Service Journal.
“I love the concept of celebrating our youth. I can’t think of a group of young individuals more deserving to be celebrated than the high school seniors joining us today,” Beverage said. “We are honored and privileged to have the opportunity to recognize them before they embark on their careers.”
“These graduates represent the very best of Lake County,” said Commissioner John Plecnik. “Their leadership, determination and commitment to service deserve to be recognized and celebrated, and we hope this ceremony becomes a lasting tradition that continues for many years to come.”
“Whether through enlistment, ROTC or appointment to a service academy, these students have committed themselves to protecting our nation and serving their communities,” said Commissioner Morgan McIntosh. “This inaugural ceremony was an important opportunity to honor their dedication and the families who have supported them along the way.”
The Lake County Board of Commissioners plans to continue the military signing ceremony annually to recognize future generations of servicemembers and honor their dedication to the United States.
In other business:
The board approved payment of bills in the amount of $11,514,750.62 and purchase orders totaling $614,426.44.
In legislation:
• Approving an application for a Water Pollution Control Loan Fund supplemental for the construction of wastewater facilities and designating a dedicated repayment source for the loan.
This is a request for supplemental funding for sanitary sewer improvements in the Red Creek area of Painesville Township. According to an email to the board from Sanitary Engineer Randall Rothlisberger, additional, unanticipated costs were incurred during project development and construction.
• Increasing appropriations and transferring cash from the Lake County Department of Utilities sewer, water and project funds for note principal and interest payments due in June.
• Increasing appropriations and transferring cash within the Lake County Department of Utilities water and sewer funds for 2026 debt payments.
• Executing a contract amendment with RxBenefits for third-party administrative services.
• Renewing the state Microsoft term contract and executing a contract with Dell and Microsoft for licensing to maintain Microsoft Office 360 email infrastructure.
The next regular session meeting of the Lake County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Thursday, May 21, at 10 a.m. in the fourth-floor meeting room of the Lake County Administration Building, 105 Main St., Painesville.
