New Principal, Same Principles
Mr. Jeremy Reuther ‘01 to follow Mr. Peter Kernion ‘90 as Jesuit’s Principal.
It would be difficult to find two more educators dedicated to Jesuit High School than Mr. Peter Kernion ’90 and Mr. Jeremy Reuther ’01. Both men have served the mission of Jesuit High School in various roles throughout the years with Mr. Kernion spending the last eleven as principal and Mr. Reuther most recently serving as the assistant to the president for mission. The Blue Jay caught up with both men as they prepare for their new roles, Mr. Kernion as Head of School at Stuart Hall, and Mr. Reuther as principal of Jesuit.
Managing Editor Aidan Wang sat down with Mr. Kernion:
Q: You’ve served at Jesuit for quite a while, what would you say you are most proud about in twenty-eight years here?
A: Our work during Katrina is number one. The role that the faculty and I played during this time is my fondest of memories.
Q: For eleven years you served as principal. Was there a particular highlight from your time in that role?
A: If I had to pick one thing it would that I was lucky to have been able to work with Fr. Fitzgerald. I attribute his influence and guidance as instrumental to my development as a principal.
Q: What about your time as the Cross Country and Track coach?
A: I certainly enjoyed coaching, helping Jesuit win at the local and state levels; but truthfully, my favorite part of coaching was forming relationships between students and coach.
Q: What would be one thing you did not like in your time here?
Certainly I would look at the COVID year as a particulary challenging time. Hybrid learning in the first quarter of the 2020 school year takes the cake. It was not fun or easy for anyone but given the grim realities and the rules in place at the time, hybrid learning was the most effective option to continue our mission. We would not sacrifice any learning if we had a choice.
Q: As you take a look back on your career at Jesuit, what would you say is your legacy here?
A: I do not think about a legacy. I am just happy to be part of the Jesuit legacy of educating young men.
Q: What are your thoughts on your successor Mr. Reuther?
A: I wish him the best and I know that Mr. Reuther will emphasize the mission of the school at the center of all that he does.
Q: How do you think this transition of power will go?
A: This is not some dictatorship change between two rival armies or anything close to that. It will be a long but orderly and peaceful change. Mr. Reuther and I like each other and will support each other along the way.
Q: What do you have in mind for Stuart Hall?
A: I do not have anything in mind right now. I am not, nor is there a need to, walk in there and change everything. It is a very successful school in a great position of strength. My goal is to continue to lead them in a positive direction.
Q: Do you have any final words?
A: As much as I am looking forward, it is challenging to leave a place where I’ve spent twenty-eight years; however, I am certainly looking forward to this new opportunity.
Editor-In-Chief Gregory Uhlich caught up with Mr. Reuther:
Q: What about Jesuit has stood out the most to you during your time here?
A: I have found that people at Jesuit believe that education is essentially about transformation, where a person becomes something more than they were before. The experience of serving other people is life changing. Some experience of religious awakening helps us understand who we are as God sees us. All of this contributes to a magnanimous view of what human beings can be, especially in academic development. Jesuit students are curious. They want to understand, to get to the root of things. So there’s nothing small-minded about the way people here approach learning. I think that’s unique to Jesuit, and I’m proud to be a part of it.
Q: What are your expectations for this new role as principal?
A: I’ve been here for almost twenty years, so I am fortunate to know many of the great people connected to Jesuit. I guess I expect my relationships to change, but to change for the better. I have really enjoyed greeting more students in the yard or between classes. When I was a teacher and campus minister, I knew nearly all the students on campus, and since I’ve had more of an office job these last few years, that is something I have missed. I expect to be more in tune with the students and their families.
Q: Are there any plans that you have for the school?
A: I do not foresee sweeping change on the horizon. At least initially, I want us all to work to get the most out the programs that we already have in place. One particular area is a greater investment in student-initiated programs. I want students to have more leadership opportunities so that they can really take ownership of the spirit of the school.
Q: What impact do you hope to make on Jesuit during your time here?
A: I’d like more and more people to feel like they are on the “inside” of the school’s life. I want to bring people in, to make them feel like this is home, and that ultimately God led them here and has something special planned for them here.
Q: Any thoughts on your time here at Jesuit?
Jesuit really specializes in what could be called a ministry of personal influence. We put faithful people in positions to influence students in ways that are life changing. When I was in eighth grade, peer support was a voluntary program that James Michalik oversaw. From very early on as an 8th grader, Mr. Michalik was mentoring me. He still does in his humble way today. Michael Prados was a huge influence on my life through the Appalachia service project trip, where the experience of serving other people in a rural, poor part of the country helped me see the joy in the lives of people that lived simply. It really set my heart on fire for there being more to life than the lower goods I was chasing with my friends on the weekend. I learned that building friendships on truly good things is fulfilling.
I would say my theology teachers like Jed Delahoussaye had a big impact on me. He helped me to ask questions about what was worth seeking in life. Another mentor was Coach Jennings. He was my basketball coach, and he gave a great amount of support to me as a player. He has really formed my idea of what athletics can do for a person in terms of character, teambuilding, and self-discipline.
I really was fortunate to have a Jesuit education and, obviously, believe in the process. Of course, the role of spirituality in the formation of students is a high value to me. Having led campus ministry previously, I truly believe in the program for faith formation here. Our goal is to ask students fundamental questions about who they are and how they relate to God during their time here. The right mentors, coaches, or teachers can be a great way to work with parents to help their sons navigate through discovering the persons they want to become.
The Blue Jay would like to thank Mr. Kernion for his 28 years of service to Jesuit High School and wish him success at Stuart Hall. Additionally, the Blue Jay would like to welcome and congratulate Mr. Reuther on his new role as principal of Jesuit High School.