2022 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
Worthington Christian Class of 2002 graduate Mekael Teshome named “Alumnus of the Year”
Established in 2009, the annual Alumni of the Year award is an opportunity for the WC community—both past and present—to collectively celebrate the mission of the school being lived out among its 3,000 graduates. This year’s “Alumnus of the Year” honoree is Mekael Teshome, Class of 2002.
Teshome’s life story is one filled with many unexpected turns. He was born and raised in England until his second-grade year, at which time his family returned to their native country of Ethiopia. Seven years later, Teshome’s family moved to Worthington, Ohio. His family chose to send him to Worthington Christian School because of its reputation for academic excellence grounded in the Christian faith. He quickly embraced the role of Warrior, excelling academically and taking part in four different sports over the course of his high school career.
He fondly recalls the compassion and care of many people within the WC community. Former high school principal Tom Anglea made it a point to talk with Teshome and make sure he felt welcome in the United States and at WC. He describes former football coach Mike Stanley as an “amazing role model” who cared for his players and coached them so that they would become strong, principled young men. He also recounts the influence of Dr. Jim and Sue Jerele and their family, who supported and encouraged Teshome throughout high school. Their support made it possible for Teshome to attend Worthington Christian and continue his studies at Taylor University.
Teshome’s education at WC laid the foundation for him to discover his calling. With a desire to create policies and environments that allow people to be the fullest version of themselves bearing God’s image and likeness, he found his path toward political science and international development. This path also led him to complete a master’s degree in economics from Vanderbilt University.
He now finds himself passionately serving both in the marketplace and in ministry. Enjoy the following video of Teshome as he explains his current work and ministry and how he keeps them both in balance.