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Focused on Faith: Alumni Spotlight: Jeremiah Parks ‘11

Class of 2011 Alumnus, Jeremiah Parks takes us through his life with a focus of faith becoming the first student from Saint Martin de Porres High School to achieve his dream of being a Pastor.

After graduating from Saint Martin, Jeremiah earned his bachelor’s degree from American Baptist College in Nashville, his master’s degree from Baylor University’s G.W. Truett Theological Seminary in Waco, Texas, and his doctorate from United Theological Seminary in Trotwood, Ohio. While pursuing his doctorate, he continued to stay busy by working at American Baptist College in a variety of roles such as a student intern and teaching assistant. Studying as a graduate student while working is a challenge, he shares, but Saint Martin taught him the strong work ethic that he brought with him through college and beyond.

In August of 2022, Jeremiah was voted to become Mount Calvary Baptist Church’s next pastor in Akron, Ohio. Following in the footsteps of his father and older brother, Jeremiah is excited to expand his family line of pastors. While he has always loved to preach, he also enjoyed helping people find their purpose which led him to his goal of becoming a full-time pastor.

While Jeremiah is achieving his goals today, his faith took root during his high school years at Saint Martin de Porres High School. Jeremiah took opportunities that Saint Martin had to offer as faith was always a value to him. Through track and field, Campus Ministry, Gospel Choir, and Jewels & Gents, Jeremiah deepened his commitment to ministry and living as a young disciple of God. On top of all of this, he worked at Cleveland State University for his Corporate Work Study job, completing secretarial work such as filing paperwork, answering phones, and greeting guests. This taught him the importance of working hard and never giving up on your goals.

When asked what advice he would give high school students today, Jeremiah shares, “It’s important to be versatile, stay focused and learn to be okay if things don’t fall into place at first.” He originally wanted to be a lawyer, but his blessed path got him into becoming a pastor. Although it may not have been originally where he thought he would be, following God’s call in his life has led him to amazing things. He adds, “High school is just the beginning of your success. Take advantage of the opportunities Saint Martin has to offer and stay determined. You never know where you will end up.”