Jason Reed - Class of 1999
In 2018, Jason Reed was appointed Holy Name High School’s first Director of Diversity and Inclusion in Parma Heights, Ohio. Previously, he served thirteen years as the Director of Multicultural and Retention Services at his alma mater, St. Ignatius High School. In 2016, he was selected as one of the honorees for "Cleveland: The Faces of Sacrifice" for being outstanding in youth services. His work with the REACHing Magis Program prepares students who have been traditionally underrepresented at Saint Ignatius for the academic, social and spiritual challenges they may encounter as students in a college preparatory high school setting.
When I was a student at Walsh, we didn't have the amenities that are there now. There was no shopping center across the street nor was there a student center. We didn't have a wellness center, and there certainly wasn't an on-campus movie theater. Our recreation options were basically going out to dinner, watching movies, talking with friends on campus or shopping. I spent a lot of time at Belden Village Mall.
On campus, the cafeteria was a great place to enjoy fellowship with your friends. They may not have been serving home-cooked meals, but the cafeteria staff was so lively, outspoken and welcoming that they made you feel at home. Sporting events were also popular. I spent a lot of time supporting others because they were very supportive of me. I kept busy with basketball and participating in Student Government, the Black Student Union, and other activities on campus.
Some of my fondest memories from Walsh are of Brother Charlie. I enjoyed meeting with him whether it was on a weekly basis or simply in passing for a brief minute conversation between classes. He motivated me to continue when times were tough or classes were overwhelming. He told me to be persistent and inspired me to believe that I could graduate. Outside of the education faculty, he was the most influential person I encountered. He was that cornerstone that kept me together; he was very inspirational to me.