By Juli Metzger—
MUNCIE, Ind.—Ask 17-year-old Zachariah Jones what he’s most thankful for in his young life and the list starts with God and his mother. That’s really all you need to know about him.
But there’s more you’ll want to know.
“In times of adversity, not listening to what society has to say is key,” says the Muncie Central senior. “Knowing who I am, and who God called me to be. I do not have to follow the crowd. I do not give negativity the time of day. I am not a statistic nor a stereotype. I am Zachariah.”
Zachariah will close out the annual State of the Child Conference at Ball State University’s Alumni Center on April 20. The event – which goes 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. – is free and open to the public but registrations are requested here.
The town-hall-style event, presented by the Indiana Youth Institute, is sponsored by Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement and Heart of Indiana United Way. The symposium examines the latest demographic data driving local decision making in areas like cradle-to-career focus or food insecurity, shelter and access to health care.
IYI researchers will present the 2022 KIDS COUNT® Data Book , and provide a more nuanced understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing Indiana’s kids. What have we learned in the last year? Poverty numbers are on the rise and learning loss is significant, both due, largely, to COVID-19.
Zachariah is the fourth of nine children to single mom Eldred Coleman Jones. On any given Friday or Saturday night, during basketball season, Zachariah leaves his cheerleading position, in the Muncie Fieldhouse, to take the microphone and belt out the “Star Spangled Banner” before the Bearcat varsity basketball games. The 21st Century Scholar recipient will study music education at Ball State University next fall and wants to be part of University Singers.
“I love music,” says Zachariah. “I have been singing since the beginning of time. Music is a constant in my life. Singing and music brings me joy. I love teaching music and harmony to others. I love watching the process come together and the final product is beautiful.”
Statistics show that Zachariah shouldn’t be the success he is. Odds are stacked against him. But it’s more than a numbers game. Increasingly, the difference for a child who succeeds is the community support available to them.
Zachariah, and his eight brothers and sisters, have that underpinning. All have either attained a high level of success or are on their way.
- Stephanie, 28, is a 2012 graduate of Muncie Central High School, and 2017 graduate of Indiana State University. She now lives and works in Muncie.
- Christopher, 24, is a 2016 graduate of Muncie Central High School and lives and works in Muncie.
- Kenny, 22, is a 2018 graduate of Muncie Central High School and graduates in May from Wabash College. Kenny will work in Indianapolis when completes the Orr Fellowship program.
- Clarissa, 15, is a junior at Muncie Central School.
- Jaimeson, 13, is a seventh grader at Northside Middle School.
- Curtis, 11, is a sixth grader at Northside Middle School.
- Matthew, 8, is a second grader at Longfellow Elementary School.
- Andrew, 6, is a first grader at Longfellow Elementary School.
“Without programs like Motivate our Minds, Roy C. Buley Center, Boys & Girls Club, Childcare voucher program (CCDF), Heart of Indiana United Way Imagination Library, Longfellow MP3, and the people responsible for helping my son and his brothers and sisters, I really do not know how I would have raised my kids with any peace of mind,” said Mrs. Jones. “I am so thankful for the amazing individuals who have worked with and continue to work with my children through MCS and the after-school programs.”
IYI is the state’s leading source of information about youth and issues they face. The Indiana General Assembly is the biggest user of this information, according to IYI Executive Director Dr. Tami Silverman. The 2022 KIDS COUNT® Data Book provides deep insight into what areas need more attention.
The data, teamed with caring and informed communities, give flight to families like Zachariah’s.
“The house is hectic,” says Zachariah. “There is always someone to talk to, and hang out with. We have like a built in buddy system. I love being around my siblings, but I also enjoy time alone. My mom is present at our extracurricular activities and works hard to make sure we do not miss out. I often say “mom, you don’t have to come to this game or this performance.” She always responds with, “It is important that I am there for you. I want you to look out and see me there.”
There’s still time to register for the April 21 State of the Child.
Juli Metzger, as Associate Lecturer at the School of Journalism at Ball State University and former newspaper editor and publisher, represents Delaware County on the Indiana Youth Institute Board of Directors.
