Westlake High School staff members Mindy Clark and Sarah Clark chat with former student council advisor Fred Jennings before the Homecoming football game Friday evening. (West Life photo by Kevin Kelley)

Former student advisor named alumnus
By Kevin Kelley
Westlake
Published Oct. 3, 2007

One of the most familiar faces at Westlake High School over the past four decades can now lay claim to being an alumnus.

Fred Jennings, the school’s former student council advisor and director of student activities, was named an honorary member of the Dover/Westlake High School Alumni Association in a short ceremony just before Friday evening’s Homecoming football game at Lou Duchez Field.

Jennings, who actually attended Port Clinton High School in northwest Ohio, joined the staff at Westlake High School in 1966 as a special education teacher; in fact, he created the school’s special education program. The next year, he became student council advisor and director of student activities. In that position, the Kent State University graduate oversaw Homecoming and graduation activities, class elections, and Froshfest, the spring program that introduces incoming freshmen to the high school.

Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough, right, presents Fred Jennings (second from left) a proclamation declaring Sept. 28 “Fred Jennings Day” in the city. Also pictured: Del Younglas, past president of the Dover/Westlake Alumni Association (left); and Mary Beth Schneidler, alumni president (second from right). (West Life photo by Kevin Kelley)

Jennings, 62, started the district’s adult education program in 1980, and ran GED, English as a Second Language and special education programs.

Health problems caused Jennings to retire this summer.

The Alumni Association informed Jennings of the honor two weeks ago.

“I’ve been involved in 40 Westlake High School graduations,” Jennings told West Life. “And it’s kind of nice to be a Westlake High School alumnus now. It’s quite an honor.”

Attending the ceremony with Jennings were his wife, Anne, and his youngest son, Dan, who now works at Westlake High School as a special education assistant.

In conjunction with the Alumni Association’s honor, Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough proclaimed Friday “Fred Jennings Day” in the city.

Other honors received by Jennings over the years include being named the Cuyahoga County and Ohio special education teacher of the year as well as Westlake High School Teacher of the Year. He was also selected as the Student Council Advisor of the Year by the Ohio Association of Student Councils.

For 37 years, Jennings also managed the Lakeshore Day Camp, a summer camp for special education children.