By LAHNA WALL
Beakon Staff Writer
YOUNGSTOWN—For high school students, finding the right environment can make all the difference. A school should be more than just a building with classrooms—it should be a community where students feel safe, supported, and challenged to grow. But what happens when a student realizes their current school isn’t the right fit? For many, transferring to Cardinal Mooney High School has been the answer.
Each year, Mooney welcomes a number of transfer students looking for a more structured, academically rigorous, and community-driven experience. While making the switch can be daunting, students who have taken the leap often find themselves thriving in ways they never expected. Two of those students, Isaiah Britain and Lahziya “Yaya” Moore, share their journeys of leaving one school behind and embracing a new chapter at Mooney.
A New Home at Mooney
Moore transferred from East High School during her sophomore year. Coming from a public school on the East Side of Youngstown, she remembers the strong bonds she formed there.
“It was like a family. We all came together—it was just like I fit in real good, it’s my culture,” Moore said, recalling her experience at East High.
Though she misses her old basketball team, coach, and friends, she has found new joys at Cardinal Mooney. The school’s traditions and team camaraderie stood out to her.
“The traditions they have after a win—that’s really nice. And how the team bonds together, it’s all good,” she said.
One unexpected perk? The uniform policy.
“Not having to get up and find something to wear—I can just put on my uniform. That’s good here,” Moore said.
She credits a number of people for making her transition smooth, giving a heartfelt shoutout to her friends and teachers.
“Shoutout to Mrs. Basil, I love Ms. Basil. I love Aniyah Houston too — along with Angel Alvarez, Christina Koullias, Abby Markey, Ms. (Allyson) Cooper, Mrs. (Tina) Furano, and Ras (Mr. Robert Rasetta),” she said.
A Change for the Better
Isaiah Britain transferred to Mooney in his junior year from Campbell Memorial High School. Looking back, he recognizes that his experience at Campbell wasn’t setting him up for success.
“It was very fun, but it was a lot of goofing around. I wasn’t getting my work done or putting in much effort,” Britain said. “I knew that if I kept going to Campbell, my junior and senior years would have probably gone straight down the drain.”
His decision to transfer was motivated by a desire for a better academic environment, and Mooney has delivered.
“Everybody here has more effort and ethics. So far, I’ve seen big improvements in my grades. Everybody is friendly, so I’ve made a lot of new friends, and I like all my teachers,” he said.
Though he misses the carefree atmosphere of his former school, he doesn’t regret his decision.
“Better grades, better effort, better behavior—and better food,” Britain joked.
He credits Mooney’s structured learning environment for his academic improvements.
“Teachers here are more down to the books. At Campbell, it was more about getting up and teaching, but here, it’s more about taking notes and using books. It’s honestly way better. You get more information and retain that information,” Britain said.
And like Moore, Britain has found a strong support system at Mooney.
“Aiden Hryb, my boy Cesar (Odiot), Mr. (Dan) Tofil—he’s really a big influence to me—my best friend Jayja, Olivia McElrath … those are a lot of people who help me get through the school year,” he said.
But when asked about the best part of Mooney, Britain had a simple answer:
“Angel Albert, one of my best friends.”
More Than a School—A Future
Though Moore and Britain had different reasons for transferring, both found what they were looking for at Mooney: a place to belong, a school that challenges them academically, and a community that supports them.
For students and parents considering a transfer, their experiences serve as a testament to the importance of finding the right fit. High school is a critical time for building focus, habits, and a path to the future. The right environment can make all the difference, and for many, that place is Cardinal Mooney.
If you or your child are looking for a fresh start, the doors at Mooney are open. The next chapter of your high school journey could be waiting here.
