A Familiar Face Takes On New Role At McKinley High School

By Lisa Reicosky

It’s not unusual to see Terrance Jones sitting at a high-top table in the McKinley Commons surrounded by laughing students. He’s a regular at sporting events and hosts both an annual talent competition for local students, as well as a Spring Break tour of college campuses through his Simply Youth non-profit, of which he serves as CEO.

As McKinley’s Graduation Coach, a new administrative role for 2022-23, he believes his success is directly related to the relationships and trust he builds by spending time with students.

As part of his job, Jones is using data to identify students who are in danger of not graduating on time, dropping out, or graduating with no solid plans for their future.

“We help them incorporate a plan to get them to graduate on time,” he said. “I identify the why. Why is it important that they graduate.” And relationship-building, he said, is the key.

“I am comprehensive in getting to know them, finding out who will be proud of them, who will be supportive,” he said.

Jones once served as a family support specialist in the district and is a Canton City graduate. He understands the challenges some students face.

“I have a professional passion for this and a personal one because I was once one of them,” he said. “I needed a Mr. Terrance when I was in school.”

Jones said he tries to motivate with coaching strategies and he is always visible.

“The biggest thing is to make sure they don’t stop. You won’t get this time back and if they stop coming to school, they won’t come back,” he said, emphasizing that credit-deficient students have options. “This school might not be a fit. We have alternative programs. You can be a summer graduate.”

Superintendent Jeff Talbert said Jones is an important asset to the high school team.

“He can reach kids and families and figure out their needs,” Talbert said, “Through his contacts throughout the community, he finds resources for them to be successful. We are thrilled to have him on our team.”

What Jones loves most about his role, he said, is that kids know he is available to them.

“There’s something to be said for knowing that,” he said. “And every day I meet a new kid. I’m intentional about it.”