Meet Jim Barter: XJA's New Volunteer Coordinator

Xavier Jesuit Academy is excited to welcome Jim Barter as our new Volunteer Coordinator. As a graduate of Walsh Jesuit High School in Akron, Ohio, and Xavier University, Jim brings a deep personal understanding of Jesuit education to his role. "I firmly believe in the values and how they approach things," Jim shares. "It's helped me immensely in my life, and I just want to be able to give back and allow as many others to get the blessings that it provides."

Jim sees tremendous potential in our students and believes volunteers can play a crucial role in their development. "These kids are sponges. They'll take it all up," he explains. Working alongside Father Wendt, Kyle, Michael, and our teaching staff, volunteers can support students through tutoring in reading and mathematics, providing supervision during recess and lunch, offering assistance with sports and activities, participating in Friday's Liturgy of the Word, and sharing special skills such as photography.

Jim believes in setting realistic expectations. "This isn't all sunshines and rainbows and happy hugs," he acknowledges. "There are times when it's challenging. But you know what, it's a great thing for you to get pushed, to learn and to figure out how you could be the parent or the adult in the room and help these kids along."

For Jim, volunteering at XJA represents an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in his adopted hometown of Cincinnati. He views this as "an amazing calling" that enables volunteers to serve as role models, teach valuable skills, and open students' eyes to new opportunities while challenging them to become the best versions of themselves.

If you're interested in joining our volunteer community, visit our volunteer page to express your interest. Jim is also available to speak with prospective volunteers personally to help them find the right fit.