Ritchie Elementary To Receive Sizable Gift From Alumnus
Joselyn King Trending
WHEELING -- A former South Wheeling resident and Ritchie Elementary School alumnus remembers what it was like growing up in the neighborhood, and he wants to give back to help those living there now and in the future.
John Pershing Wagner Jr. resided at 34th and Chapline streets when he attended the former Ritchie School through ninth grade in the 1960s. Today he lives in California following a successful career as a healthcare industry executive and real estate investor.
Wagner now wants to help Ritchie School and its students by donating to its programs, and perhaps establishing a large endowment there.
"We're not so much interested in whether the kids go to college or not, but that they have happy, fulfilling lives," Wagner said. "It could be in plumbing, or electrical work or whatever. The important thing is that they reach their full and absolute potential."
Wagner was mum on just how much he was donating to Ritchie Elementary School at this time.
"I have not given the amount publicly, but it's a substantial donation," he continued.
Wagner said he made a similar contribution to Ritchie Elementary last year, with half of the money being designated to the school's SWARM program. He added he also gave Principal John Jorden discretion in directing the remainder of the funds to programs he "deemed essential to long-term success" for students.
"We are in the process of creating an endowment for the school," Wagner said. "The endowment will be six figures plus, but I'm not going to reveal the exact amount. I've asked the school superintendent to not do that as well.
"The reason is that I have family here. I have people that I talk with regularly. ... Taking that into account, and understanding my personal situation, we decided not to reveal that amount."
Wagner attributes much of his success in life to his experience at the school, and the relationships he formed with his teachers - especially English teacher Dorothy Beck. Wagner said he kept in contact with Beck, who later became principal, well into his adult years.
"I grew up economically disadvantaged. We were not wealthy by any means," he said. "I remember coming to Ritchie, walking my way through from 34th and Chapline streets through the alleys and streets to get here in the morning without breakfast -- and sometimes going without lunch. I'm so pleased that today that's all changed. The government subsidizes meal programs for schools so the students get nourishment."
Wagner said coming to Ritchie School "was an escapement from home, and escape from the harshness and the bitterness (found there)."
"I came to Ritchie and found a safe, secure environment," he said. "Without that environment, I don't know where I would have ended up."
Wagner continued that Beck especially took an interest in him, and he attributes her interest and Ritchie School as a whole for inspiring him to achieve success later in life.
Wagner reports he graduated from the former Wheeling High School in 1970, then obtained a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University and a master's degree from West Virginia University. He said he also achieved an MBA from the Graziadio School of Business at Pepperdine University.
Wagner lists on his resume high-level management positions at Humana, Hospital Corporation of America, National Medical Enterprises, and Tenet Healthcare Corporation, where he retired as vice president of medical affairs. He also has extensive real estate holdings in West Los Angeles and Palm Springs, California.
The school's SWARM program encourages students to be "successful," have a "winning attitude," and be "accountable," "respectful" and "motivated."
As part of the program, every student receives a punch card. They earn punches for attending school, completing homework, answering questions correctly in class and showing exceptional behavior.
The punches may be redeemed for school supplies, or for special school privileges such as sitting beside a friend, bringing a stuffed toy to class or visiting a past teacher.
Entire classes can earn "hornet" rewards, and these can result in the class getting a special prize -- perhaps an extra recess or a trip to the playground across the street.
Wagner has been discussing financial contributions to Ritchie Elementary School with Jorden since last fall.
"I would really like to thank Mr. Wagner for his generous donation, which has enabled us to fund many of our SWARM activities," Jorden said. "Due to Mr. Wagner's donation, we have been able to provide many activities and wonderful experiences for our students that weren't possible in previous years. We cannot be more grateful for Mr. Wagner's kindness and support for Ritchie."