For anyone who’s been a student at Meridian, there’s a good chance they know Alex Washam. In fact, many consider him to be their favorite teacher—even though he’s not teaching in the traditional sense anymore. Now, as the Director of Student Success, Alex’s role has evolved, but his impact on the lives of students remains as profound as ever. And if you ask around, you’ll hear the same thing over and over again: Alex Washam is the kind of educator who makes you want to do better, to strive harder, and, most importantly, to believe in yourself.

For Alex, education has always been about more than just lessons in a textbook. "When I was a teacher, I wanted kids to feel comfortable being themselves in my classroom," he recalls. "Now, I’m doing the same thing, just on a larger scale." As Director of Student Success, Alex’s job is to help students navigate the often murky waters of high school and plan for what comes after. Whether it’s helping with class schedules or guiding students toward potential careers, Alex’s focus is on making sure every student feels seen and heard.

One of Alex’s crowning achievements in his new role has been the creation of Meridian’s annual college fair. "We held our first fair two years ago," he says, "and it was a huge success." The event has grown each year, with more colleges and universities participating, giving students the opportunity to explore their options beyond high school. "It's about opening their eyes to possibilities they never thought about," he explains.

Take the case of a student interested in video games. Like many high schoolers, this student had his sights set on a career in gaming. But instead of simply nodding along, Alex took it a step further. "I asked him if he’d ever thought about cybersecurity," Alex says, smiling. "He hadn’t, but after we talked and did some research together, he realized it was something he might actually love." It’s these moments of connection and discovery that make Alex’s work so meaningful.

But his role isn’t just about steering students toward college. Alex is keenly aware that not every student will take the same path. "We’re not funneling everyone into four-year universities," he says. "Some kids are better suited for skilled trades, some want to start their own businesses, and others are looking into fields like nursing or cybersecurity." It’s this personalized approach that has made Alex’s role such a crucial part of the district. He’s not just helping students make it through high school—he’s helping them figure out what comes next.

And he’s not doing it alone. Alex has helped build partnerships with local colleges like Shawnee College, which has enabled Meridian students to earn dual credit, and in some cases, even graduate with an associate’s degree before they receive their high school diploma. "It’s about giving them a head start," Alex explains. "The opportunities are there, and we want our students to take full advantage of them."

In addition to his work with the college fair, Alex has helped spearhead Meridian’s Freshman Academy, a program designed to set ninth-graders up for success. "We go over everything with them," he says. "What classes they need to graduate, how to manage their time, what to expect in high school, and how to set goals for themselves." The program also brings in speakers from local colleges and industries, giving students a glimpse into the wide range of career paths available to them. "It’s all about exposure," Alex says. "The more they know about what’s out there, the better prepared they’ll be to make decisions about their future."

Alex’s work has not gone unnoticed. Students regularly stop by his office, seeking advice on everything from class schedules to career choices. "A lot of times, they just want someone to listen," he says. "They might not know exactly what they want to do, and that’s okay. It’s my job to help them figure it out." And sometimes, that means simply being a sounding board, offering encouragement when students feel overwhelmed. "I can’t always fix everything for them, but I can explain why things are the way they are and help them see the bigger picture."

While Alex’s role as Director of Student Success keeps him busy, he always makes time for his family. He is a proud father and husband, and when he talks about his family, his face lights up. "They’re everything to me," he says. "My wife and kids keep me grounded, and they remind me why I do what I do every day." For Alex, being a father has given him a deeper understanding of the importance of his work. "I want the best for my kids," he says, "and I want the same for the students here at Meridian."

But despite his success, Alex is quick to deflect attention away from himself. "This isn’t about me," he insists. "It’s about the students, the staff, the whole district. We’ve got a great team here, and together, we’re making a real difference in these kids’ lives."

As the Director of Student Success, Alex Washam is doing just that—helping students realize their potential and guiding them toward a future filled with possibilities. Whether he’s encouraging them to explore new career paths or simply offering a listening ear, Alex’s dedication to the students of Meridian is evident in everything he does.