Jerry, as we called him in grade school, was always the nicest person, making those of us around him (at least the girls) laugh and think he "was the cutest thing" and such a nice guy. When I asked him to grace us with an interview, the following narrative will keep you reading! Jerry's take on things was written as though I could hear him talking to me personally... so I (Jackie Winkler) would like to introduce you to Dr. Jerome Schultz.

Born on May 7, 1946, Jerry Schultz, who was one of five kids, grew up on Catalpa Drive. Probably because of overcrowding at Jefferson, his kindergarten year was spent at a church close by to Ulrich's Drug Store. Jerry fondly remembers Jefferson Elementary School as being tons of fun. With his favorite subject being Art, Jerry tells about being in love with his Art Teacher, Letitia (Wehner?) (He always thought of her as Letitia, so he forgot her last name.) He was crushed when she got engaged to the Science Teacher. Jerry said all the kids were invited to her wedding and he remembers throwing rice. VERY HARD!

Fifth grade brought a new favorite. Although he says her name escapes him, Jerry remembers she laughed at his antics - like the time he was hiding behind a desk, dressed in a home-made costume of shredded rags along with Doug Deutch, who was in a safari hat, and they welcomed the class back from lunch with a lip-synched version of "I told the Witch Doctor." "Ooh-ee-oo-ah-ah." (Remember that one?) "Ting, tang, walla, walla, bing, bang!!" Such fun!

This was also a time when Jerry used to ride his bike everywhere. He spoke about the time when he, Evan Tarskey, and Doug Deutsch rode their bikes all the way out to the Fireworks Factory in West Dayton. Jerry said they were under-age and they paid some "Greaser Hood" to purchase their fireworks. The guy came out, gave them the goods, and they rode off, happy with the prospect of blowing up half the town. About a mile from the factory entrance, the punk stopped them and threatened to beat them to shreds if they didn't hand over the explosives - which being wimps, they did. That was a sad ride home!

It was 7th grade when things began to get ugly with the abuse that this fat boy, as Jerry called himself back then, started to suffer by some of the "cool" guys at Bar Mitzvah parties. He spoke about being held by his legs over the edge of the roof at the Miami Hotel. He says he holds no grudges though. He got even. He became a child psychologist.

Older Brother, Nathan was a Senior when Jerry was a Freshman and Jerry followed Nathan's footsteps into the band. In 1964, his Sister, Becky was a Junior and Jerry helped teach his "tone-deaf" Sis, how to sing on demand when the "mean girls" caught her in the halls, while she was pledging some High School Sorority. He helped keep Becky's "Blue Box" filled with goodies so she didn't get busted for not having gum etc.

During his sophomore or junior year, Jerry moved to Catalpa Woods (Heather Drive) which was Fairview territory - but it was too late - Colonel White H.S. had taken possession of his soul, and those Little Colonels had stolen his heart.

Younger Sister, Elaine, one year behind, started at Colonel White and then jumped ship to go to Fairview when the family moved. Sidney, a younger Brother and former owner of General Surplus, was a freshman when Jerry was a senior and did his whole sentence at Fairview. All Jerry's siblings are alive and well, which is kind of a miracle in itself.

While growing up, Jerry took piano and sax lessons; but never practiced enough. He was content to play second chair to Mark Karlsberg - Now that Karlsberg, he really practiced said Jerry! Playing in the Pep Band, Dance Band, (playing a big "honkin" baritone sax,) Orchestra, and Pit Orchestras in musicals were always at the top of his list and such a highlight. As to student directing the marching band at the half-time shows - a totally student-run enterprise, - Jerry referred to it as "grace under pressure for all." He said hands down, Jack Devilbis was his favorite high school teacher. The band and all the other forms of instrumental music in which he was involved, were among the most formative experiences of his life. Without Mr. D (and all that came with that i.e.: the discipline, the talent nurturing, the respect (mutual) and oh, yeah - those Little Colonels) - Jerry thinks he would have been such a looser!

While explaining about how well he did in school and how it began to affect his life, Jerry said he was absolutely horrible in Math and was in what must have been the remedial class (Mr. Plunkett.) That's when he learned what feeling really stupid felt like and he began to feel empathy for the kids he ended up working with and writing about. Fortunately he was good in English and loved to do creative writing. He remembers Mrs. Clippinger encouraging her students to sign on to work on a freighter at sea during one summer to "learn about the world." Jerry thought the idea cool and began to explore the possibility. His parents, however, didn't think it was so cool! His Father said, "I came over from Poland in steerage - lemme tell you, it was not that cool!" Feeling that most of his high school classmates had him pegged as a perennial buffoon and jokester, Jerry, loved being the center of attention (and still does.) He said many of us were his first audience and this helped to eventually prepare him for being comfortable in front of large groups. He told me he teaches a lot of people a lot of things and his "method" is "edutainment." It's a style that is rewarding and fun for both Jerry and his audience. However, Jerry did admit to having an embarrassing moment during a keynote presentation to nearly 1000 people,when he left his wireless microphone on while going to the bathroom during a break. He laughed and said, "need I say more?!!"

After graduating Colonel White, Jerry was OSU bound for his undergraduate work. OSU was within driving distance and tuition was $125 a quarter. He pledged Sigma Alpha Mu as a freshman, which had enforced study hours that he feels put him on track for academic success. In three years he became President of a house filled with 125 guys, many of whom were brilliant and talented; but others were right out of central casting for "Animal House." Jerry remembers wearing a jacket and tie while serving on the Dean's Council during the day and clearing the mail room of Pot at night. (The winter quarter was spent in Mexico by some of the guys.) The experiences and leadership training Jerry received while serving as president of his fraternity far outweighed the value of any single course or series or courses in undergraduate school. Much like band was in High School

During his junior year at Colonel White, Jerry met Marlene (Greenfield) from Fairview Class of 1966. Jerry was OSU bound and Marlene went to Miami at Oxford. After two years and a totaled car from the commute between both schools, Marlene transferred to OSU as well. She and Jerry were married right after Jerry finished at OSU in 1968 and he says the rest is beautiful history.

The Draft prevented Jerry from going directly to Graduate School, and he found a job as a Special Education Teacher in Westerville, Ohio. By night he finished his Master's Degree. When called up for the Draft, Jerry was told he had high blood pressure and his doctor confirmed his diagnosis. This kept him from being drafted, unlike so many of his brave classmates; but it allowed Jerry to begin a long life of service to his community. Jerry likes to think the Army saved his life.

Even though Jerry admits he did not do well in his first High School Psychology class, he feels the career seed was planted. He always had a love for little kids and says they are a terrific audience. He earned his Ph.D. at Boston College and was offered a job supervising Student Teachers. In his Ph.D program, Jerry did a two-semester course that put him on an interdisciplinary team at Children's Hospital in Boston. He got to work with all kinds of special needs and their families. He says he learned more there from some of the best minds and souls in the field, than in any course he had ever taken. Eventually, he joined the faculty as a junior member. He subsequently did two post-doctoral fellowships - one in clinical psychology and the other in clinical neuropsychology, a specialized field of assessment. In between, he became director of an LD clinic in Children's Hospital in Dayton and he and Marlene moved back, establishing their residence as "adults."

Jerry has been in private practice as a clinical neuropsychologist for many years, having taught at Wright State, Boston College, and Harvard Medical Schools. He directed three different clinics and is now a mental health consultant for several school districts. He tells me he enjoys a robust and rewarding career, traveling and speaking about his new book, entitled, "No where to Hide: Why Kids with ADHD and LD hate School and what we can do about it." It deals with the impact of stress in the lives and on the brains of kids with LD and ADHD.

Saying that his wife, Marlene (Greenfield) has always been his best advocate and supporter, Jerry says his professional life has been a series of wonderful adventures with each job leading to another more exciting one. Marlene is always on the lookout for fellowships and other learning opportunities. Her enthusiasm for Jerry's work (and her knowledge of it - she's a successful social worker and Jerry admits, has taught him much,) keeps him moving forward. Eventually the shingle for his private practice was hung. After about six months, the phone began to ring and hasn't stopped yet!

When asked where Jerry has worked, the list includes: Westerville Public Schools, Wright State University, Children's Hospital, Dayton, Boston College, Lesley University, Cambridge MA, Cambridge Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and Private Practice, (Wellesley & Lexington MA.) But by and large, Jerry's most thrilling moment was getting married and being able to wake up every morning next to the only woman he has ever loved -besides Letitia Wehner. He is also proud of and was thrilled at seeing his two wonderful and talented daughters, Julie and Betsy come into the world. They are now married to their own "Mr. Rights" and Julie has two boys, while Betsy has three girls. The publishing of his book, above, was another shining moment in Jerry's life.

People have had some nice things to say about him over the years, for which Jerry is very grateful - but for him, the best thing has been the wonderful opportunity to work and learn from so many professionals, children and their families. Although he would never guessed it high school, his Jewish life has given him knowledge; a sense of community; and a venue for exploring his spiritual side. He has had the joy of watching his children, their husbands, and Grandchildren grow up with similar beliefs and values - which are especially important in this world where it's sometimes hard to find your center, your compass and your anchor.

Jerry wished so much he could have been at our 50th Reunion to re-connect with old friends and hear about their lives, their joys, their sorrows, as well as their dreams and hopes for the next three or four decades. He said he has so many memories of laughter and the fun times we had together so many years ago - and all those moments seem so very alive and vivid to him. We were so lucky, Jerry told me, to have grown up where and when we did - at a time and in a place that opened doors for so many of us. Some of the people we shared the halls with are no longer here, and that is indeed a very sad reminder or our vulnerability. But, if you are reading this, YOU are here - and Jerry wished he could see our smiling faces (and hopefully, our high school nametags!)