Beyond the Headlines: A Partnership for Success at St. John’s Jesuit

A recent news story by Toledo station 13abc that highlighted Kim Crowley and her twin sons, Austin and Ashton Nichols was truly inspiring. The story made me question what factors contributed to such a successful education for the recent graduates of St. John’s Jesuit. I quickly learned it all came down to partnership and hard work.

Ashton and Austin’s full scholarships to Rice University and Ohio State University, respectively, for chemical and software engineering, are a testament to their dedication and talent. But the story of Ashton and Austin goes far deeper than a single news report. It’s a powerful narrative about the unwavering commitment of a mother, the transformative partnership offered by St. John’s Jesuit, and the crucial role of educational choice in shaping a brighter future.

Kim Crowley, a single mother, always prioritized her sons’ life goals. She understood that providing the right educational foundation was paramount. “We established priorities so that they understood the importance of learning,” Kim shared, offering a glimpse into their home life where an hour of daily reading trumped video games on weekdays. This early emphasis on learning laid a vital groundwork.

“We established priorities so that they understood the importance of learning,” – Kim Crowley

For years, Ashton and Austin “breezed through” Burroughs Elementary, a public school. But the pandemic, and the shift to virtual learning, became a pivotal moment. It prompted a crucial family conversation. Kim sat down with her sons and asked, “What do you want your life to look like?” Their answers became the compass guiding Kim’s search for an educational environment that would truly partner with her in helping them realize their aspirations.

Their search led them to St. John’s Jesuit High School. During a “Titan for a Day” shadow opportunity in 7th grade, both boys were immediately drawn to the welcoming brotherhood and vibrant academic atmosphere. What happened next was a testament to St. John’s commitment to accessibility. Kim, expecting the financial burden of private education to be substantial, was prepared to wait until 9th grade. To her surprise, St. John’s reached out, emphasizing that finances should not be a barrier. Through a comprehensive financial package, the school made it possible for Ashton and Austin to join the St. John’s community for their 8th-grade year. This proactive partnership, going beyond mere enrollment, was a game-changer.

The success of Ashton and Austin at St. John’s Jesuit is multifaceted. As Kim attests, the school offered “opportunities that they would not have at other schools,” including advanced classes and educational challenges that pushed them beyond their comfort zones. This rigorous environment allowed both boys to flourish in their “own, unique giftedness.” Austin, who credits chemistry as his most challenging class, still excelled, paving the way for his future in software engineering, with ambitions to start his own company developing adaptive software for people with special needs. Ashton, pursuing chemical engineering, was so dedicated he was at work and unavailable for the interview.

But beyond the curriculum, St. John’s cultivated something invaluable: “brotherhood.” Austin reflects that St. John’s helped prepare him for college through its “educational rigor, advanced classes, and brotherhood.” This holistic approach, fostering not just academic excellence but also a strong sense of community and support, proved vital.

“Education dictates purpose and choice helps students achieve their specific goals in life.” – Austin Nichols

When asked about the importance of educational choice, Austin’s answer was profound: “Education dictates purpose and choice helps students achieve their specific goals in life.” This statement perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the Ohio EdChoice Scholarship Program, which St. John’s Jesuit is a proud provider of. For families like the Kim and her sons, EdChoice helps bridge the gap between tuition costs and what families can afford. St. John’s goes even further, making up the difference between the actual cost of education ($18,700, with a $2200 automatic write-off) and the scholarship award ($8,408). Through fundraising and generous donors, they even strive to cover the composite fee of $1500, ensuring that financial barriers truly don’t prevent deserving students from accessing a transformative education.

St. John’s Jesuit went much further than just accepting a student and a scholarship. They provided the additional funds needed to bridge the gap between the cost of education and what scholarship dollars provided, making school choice accessible.

Ashton and Austin are embarking on individual journeys, a fact Austin readily embraces. “This is their opportunity to develop individually toward their unique goals and plans,” he shared, unconcerned about being separated from his twin, knowing that “we can Facetime and text all the time.” This readiness to forge their own paths, while remaining connected, is another testament to the confidence and independence fostered by their St. John’s experience

As the boys head off to college, Kim is also preparing for her own next chapter, pursuing a degree in Counseling at Grand Canyon University. Their collective journey is a powerful illustration of dedication, partnership, and the profound impact of educational choice. The story of Kim, Ashton, and Austin Nichols, and their partnership with St. John’s Jesuit, is not just a news item; it’s a celebration of potential realized, futures forged, and the enduring power of investing in education.