Homegrown Pride
In just a week, Madison voters will take to the polls to decide on the newly proposed school levy. The tax funding aims to protect and preserve opportunities for students to thrive as they develop personally and academically all the way through graduation. A rising surge of enthusiasm and hopefulness has overtaken large portions of the community as they seek to pass the first operational levy since 1989.
Among those on the front lines of the charge are Assistant Principals Bill Mayer and Jack Whaley. Both administrators carry extra motivation to see the levy across the finish line as they are products of the school system they wish to protect. Mayer, class of '97, and Whaley, class of '94, can both be found on Madison's Wall of Fame for their stellar high school wrestling careers.
When asked what drew him back to Madison after teaching across the nation, Mayer said it all comes down to kid connectors: a term he endearingly applies to any school employee who goes the extra mile to help students.
"This is where it all started for me, and there would be no better feeling for me than to get this passed," Mayer spoke of coming home and working on the levy. "I've had some pretty special accomplishments in my career, but this would be the ultimate because it would affect so many in such a positive way."
Beyond the levy campaign, Mayer has also devoted countless hours to ensuring students have as many opportunities as possible. Most notable is his "Streak of the Month" initiative that shines a bright light on every aspect of student achievement while also developing further unity among the community by enlisting local sponsors to share in celebrating these students' hard work.
This program is a summation of the attitude and energy Mayer brings to his students every day. His endless pursuit to catch a student doing something good results in an endless stream of photos posted to the high school Facebook page that perfectly chronicle a kind of pride that only comes from returning home.
"Why wouldn't I go full-tilt at this?" Mayer said. "That's how I operate at everything I do, and I love being a Blue Streak!"
Assistant Principal Whaley is no stranger to the importance of community either. Whether it's serving pancakes, speaking before various gatherings, or showing open support for all of Madison's athletic teams, he has become a staple of every high school event. Whaley secured a move back to his hometown two years ago when he left a similar position at North Royalton High School.
"I always thought I'd be here," Whaley said of his return. "This is my hometown, I am proud to be from here."
While the two assistant principal's carry similar backgrounds, their contrasting approaches to the administration of the student body proves the age old "it takes all kinds" mantra. An undiscerning eye could glance over Assistant Principal Whaley at school events or in the halls without recognizing the impact he makes.
If Mayer could be viewed as the video camera that records all and shares every bit, Whaley would be the Polaroid snapshots; carefully picking the right moment to exert his influence. His calm but firm demeanor inspires confidence and respect in the student body.
What truly bridges the gap between principal and students, however, are Whaley's devotion to Madison and the genuine desire to see them succeed.
"I always wanted to give back to the kids. As long as I can be around the kids and impact them, I will move up as far as I can."
Assistant Principals Mayer and Whaley have done a fantastic job promoting our schools and the upcoming levy, but they are not the only ones to return to help the home that shaped them. Madison Local Schools has a long tradition of enticing its graduates to return and inspire the next generation. Here's a list of all the alumni currently returned to teach throughout the district:
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