Advisors

Thirteen trained volunteers provided 1,158 hours of one-on-one college advising in 2020/21. 409 Newark High School juniors and seniors benefited from learning about college deadlines and cost, ACT test preparation, financial aid options and scholarship information.

Eric Baker

Advisor since:

Fall 2014

Education:

B.A., Political Science, Ohio University

Park National Bank Leader on Loan

“As a former Wildcat, I remember the very early days of A Call to College and how beneficial it was during my time in high school. I am excited to give back to a program that has given so much to so many Newark High School students.”

Caileigh Barker

Advisor since:

Fall 2017

Education:

B.A., History, Allegheny College

"When I volunteered for A Call to College at their eighth grade Reality Store event, I was really impressed by the staff and their programming. It is never too early to set goals or to start planning for the future. The sooner you plant a seed, the longer you have to nurture it and watch it grow. I was lucky enough to have a grandfather and parents who always told me I was going to college. I hope to be a similarly encouraging voice to the Newark students who I advise."

Jon Downes

Advisor since:

Fall 2021

Education:

B.A., History, Virginia Tech

M.B.A., Ashland University

Park National Bank Leader on Loan

"A Call to College is an amazing program that offers Newark High School students with the knowledge and support for their post-graduation goals. I look forward to being able to advise and assist students through the different opportunities that are available upon graduation."

Jill Esh

Advisor since:

Fall 2021

Education:

B.S., Secondary Education, Mathematics, Penn State University

M.A., Middle Level Education, Mathematics, Penn State University

"My absolute favorite part of teaching was interacting with students and A Call to College gives me the opportunity to continue working with students. I look forward to meeting amazing young adults and hearing about their goals and plans for the future."

Alex Mettille

Advisor since:

Fall 2019

Education:

Park National Bank Leader on Loan

B.A., International Business, Ohio University

"A Call to College is a wonderful resource to inspire and educate Newark High School students about the importance of continued education. I enjoy being part of a team that helps these students reach their goals."

Brent Smith

Advisor since:

Fall 2016

Education:

A.A., Criminal Justice, Central Ohio Technical College

B.S., Public Safety Management, Franklin University

Denison University Leader on Loan

"As a parent, I witnessed the support freely given to my own two children at Newark City Schools by the staff at A Call to College. This organization has been a great asset in both of their young lives. The resources available and sharing of knowledge to make an informed decision are invaluable. Through my own experiences working at a university, I have seen the transitions college students make through their four years. Volunteering for such a great organization affords me the opportunity to give back to the community and lend support to our future leaders."

Ryan Brechbill

Advisor since:

Fall 2014

Education:

B.S., Recreation Administration, Bowling Green State University

M.Ed., Human Resources, Bowling Green State University

Denison University Leader On Loan

"As a resident of Newark with two young children in the district, I wanted to get involved with the school system. The work of A Call to Colleges aligns well with my interests and passions and I strongly believe in their mission. I am excited to share my years of experience in higher education and career development with Newark High School juniors and seniors."

Marcia Downes

Advisor since:

Fall 2018

Education:

B.S., Geography, Radford College

"Volunteering at ACTC gives me the opportunity to share my passion for every Newark High School student to have a career that will support them throughout their lives. Students are blessed with post-secondary learning opportunities. CTEC, COTC and OSUN are jewels in our community."

Cherisse Hopper

Advisor since:

Fall 2017

Education:

B.S., Child and Family Development, Bowling Green State University

M.A., Education, The Ohio State University

"After a 34-year career teaching high school juniors and seniors, and working in the education department at Ohio State Newark following retirement, I am grateful for the opportunity to volunteeer with A Call to College. The transition from high school to adulthood is exciting for students, but can also present many challenges. I am looking forward to serving as an advisor and helping the students in any way I can."

Anne Klauder

Advisor since:

Fall 2008

Education:

B.S., Nursing, Kent State University

Denison University Leader on Loan

"I believe in many ways that education is the foundation of success. I know that the college search process can be overwhelming and that high school students need someone to help them through the steps no matter what their post-graduation goals may be. I am so proud to be a part of the team that assists Newark High School students with this process."

Cynthia Menzer

Advisor since:

Fall 2008

Education:

Major, Math, Rio Grande College

Major, Anthropology, The Ohio State University

"A Call to College is an amazing place where we get to develop a two year relationship with students while providing them tools and support as they plan their post-high school education. Education gives them the ability to broaden their horizons, reach their potential, and add to their earning power."

Zachary Reuscher

Advisor since:
Fall 2018

Education:
B.S., Finance, The Ohio State University
M.B.A., The Ohio State University

“When I began my career in commercial banking, nothing gave me as much satisfaction as watching my clients grow and achieve their goals, both financial and otherwise. Seeing the effect A Call to College has had on our community, I am honored to have the opportunity to once again experience this impact.”

Joan Trautman

Advisor since:

Fall 2010

Education:

B.A., Economics and Psychology, Duke University

M.B.A., The Ohio State University

"College or any form of education beyond high school is so important to succeed in the world today, and for too many, the cost is too great. Helping juniors and seniors at Newark High School navigate the financial aid and scholarship maze so that they can achieve their goal of higher education is exceptionally rewarding."