Join us for the 35th Annual Catalyst for Positive Change Awards.
For 35 years, Syntero’s Catalyst for Positive Change Awards have celebrated Central Ohio high school juniors and seniors who make a positive difference in their schools and communities. These outstanding young people embody Syntero’s core values of integrity, empowerment, innovation, and inclusiveness.
This milestone year also marks Syntero’s 50th Anniversary, celebrating half a century of providing expert, compassionate behavioral health care and wellness services to individuals and families across Central Ohio. Under our 50th anniversary theme — “Together Forward” — we celebrate our collective impact: past, present, and future.
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2026 Catalyst for Positive Change Awards
Two Great Milestones • One Inspiring Event
Friday, April 17, 2026 • 8:30 a.m.
Brookshire Event Venue • 405 Greif Parkway, Delaware, Ohio
Announcing the 2026 Catalyst for Positive Change Inspiration Award Recipient
Presented By:
Linda Shetina Logan
The 2026 Catalyst for Positive Change Inspiration Award honors Linda Logan, President & CEO of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, whose visionary leadership has transformed Columbus into a national sports hub while breaking barriers for women in a male-dominated industry. Since founding the Commission in 2002, she has led the city to host over 1,250 events, generating $1.7 billion in visitor spending, and launched Community Youth Camp to give children of all backgrounds access to sports and mentorship.
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In 2025, Linda was inducted into the Sports Events & Tourism Association's Hall of Fame — the highest recognition in the sports events & tourism industry. Recognized with the 2024 Spirit of Columbus® Award and as one of Columbus Business First’s Most Admired Executives, Linda exemplifies courage, innovation, and resilience, inspiring this year’s student honorees to create positive change in their schools and communities—moving Together Forward toward a stronger, more inclusive future.
2026 Co-Emcees:
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Crystal Mazza
Host, Columbus Living - NBC4
Christine Nardecchia
Director of Outreach and Engagement, City of Dublin
This event is not possible without our sponsors!
2026 Sponsors Coming Soon
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Join in on This legacy event
Not only is Syntero marking its 50-year history this year, we are also commemorating the 35th year of the Catalyst for Positive Change Awards.
Syntero’s emphasis on positively changing lives for individuals, families and communities inspired the first Catalyst for Positive Change Awards, originally known as The Star Awards. This legacy breakfast event honors Central Ohio high school juniors and seniors who are making a positive difference in their schools and communities through volunteerism, service, and leadership.
Since 1991, Syntero has honored more than 1,500 students for their exceptional character, service and community impact–for being Catalysts for Positive Change! These outstanding next gen leaders embody Syntero’s core values of integrity, empowerment, innovation, and inclusiveness.
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Their stories are nothing short of amazing, and we can't wait to tell you what the 2026 recipients are doing.
Discover the 2026 Schools
Big Walnut High School
Bishop Watterson High School
Buckeye Valley High School
Centennial High School
Central Crossing High School
Columbus School for Girls
Dublin City Schools-Emerald Campus
Dublin Coffman High School
Dublin Scioto High School
East High School
Franklin Heights High School
Grandview Heights High School
Grove City High School
Groveport Madison High School
Hilliard Bradley High School
Hilliard Darby High School
Hilliard Davidson High School
Northmor High School
Ohio Virtual Academy (OHVA)
Olentangy Berlin High School
Olentangy High School
Rutherford B. Hayes High School
St. Charles Preparatory School
Thomas Worthington High School
Upper Arlington High School
Westerville North High School
Westland High School
Support a worthy cause
This event is a fundraiser for Syntero, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All proceeds from The Catalyst for Positive Change Awards will support Syntero’s innovative programming and critical services provided to central Ohioans from all walks of life, in every step of their individual journeys. There has been a continual increase in the need for behavioral health and wellness services, and the demand for Syntero's essential services has not wavered.
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​Your sponsorship will help Syntero celebrate and inspire Central Ohio’s next generation of changemakers, while strengthening the communities we all share.
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To learn more or to become a sponsor, click the button below or contact Kelly Galindo for more information.​​​
Experience the Impact
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Tickets Are On Sale NOW!
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We look forward to seeing you for breakfast on April 17, 2026
as we celebrate 35 years of the Catalyst for Positive Change Awards and 50 years of Syntero's service to Central Ohio.
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For questions, please contact:
Kelly Galindo at
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