A 2018 Bellefontaine High School graduate has returned home to start his career.
Drew Jackson was recently named youth experience director (program director) at the Hilliker YMCA, 300 Sloan Blvd., Bellefontaine.
April 30, he graduated with a degree in recreational management at Ohio University and began his new role at the Hilliker YMCA May 10.
Jackson explained why he decided to come back to Bellefontaine.
“My family is here. I think this is a great town; the people are very welcoming. I also went to BHS.”
Jackson said the first few weeks have gone well. He’s involved with summer camp and youth activities throughout June and July.
There are camps for baseball, basketball, football and soccer. Boys and girls entering grades 1-3 are eligible to attend the camps and sign up information is available at https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/hilliker.
Jackson said attending Bellefontaine City Schools helped in his career track.
“Going into college, I took a writing class at BHS. It really helped me tremendously in college.
“I played multiple sports at Bellefontaine, which will help in my new role.”
Jackson was a student manager for the Ohio University men’s basketball team throughout college. He helped coordinate practices and traveled with the team.
“We learned time management skills,” he said. “We had to be very good at managing schedules. The managers had to be dedicated to the team and program.”
Finally, the new youth experience director has a few goals in his first year at the YMCA.
He wants to get to know the members’ families and see how the youth programs evolve.
He can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].
Jeff Radde is the executive director at the Hilliker YMCA.