‘Bittersweet’: Barberton teacher leaves gift after passing, helping students for years to come

Maia Belay
·2 min read

BARBERTON, Ohio (WJW) – A beloved Barberton teacher is still providing life lessons after his passing earlier this year. Perhaps the biggest lesson from Philip Hodanbosi, a math teacher turned district grant writer is to use your talents to give back.

“It was bittersweet,” said Elissa Young, his longtime colleague and instructional coach for the district. “Mr. Hodanbosi passed Feb. 28 and he wasn’t here to celebrate, he should have been here.”

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Young and Hodanbosi applied for a grant last year to secure new manufacturing and computer equipment for the district’s machining and cyber security courses. Shortly after his death, Young learned the grant was awarded to the district.

“It’s the largest grant Hodanbosi and I wrote and I believe it’s the largest that we’ve ever received,” said Young.

Young said a state education department grant for $1.4 million was awarded to the district to upgrade equipment and help give students a competitive edge before entering the in-demand career fields.

“I don’t know any other programs that have received the funding to get this type of equipment,” said Richard Mehok, a cybersecurity teacher at the high school.

The grant will also secure a rare high school cyber range where students can practice defending against hackers among other real-world cyber security career skills.

“As a high school program my goal is to give students a two-year college opportunity in the skillset they would get in a two-year program,” said Mehok who called Hodanbosi a friend. “One of those bittersweet opportunities I get excited about, I also think about Phil but I know he’s up there and he’s very proud.”

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Young said the goal is for the new equipment to be in classes next school year. The upgrade will help manufacturing students gain employment immediately upon graduation.

“It’s a great legacy and a tribute to Phil and his work,” said Young.

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