Derek Bielecki

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At 23, I am an English teacher at Zenith Academy High School in Columbus, Ohio, and the son of Danise (Dee) and Bryan Watson. In May of 2019, I graduated from the University of Cincinnati—my first educational experience that hadn’t correlated with my faith. Prior to this, I attended two catholic schools in Ohio: St. Vincent de Paul K-8 school and Newark Catholic High School. Although a plethora of wonderful relationships and memories stemmed from my catholic education, I cannot say that my faith life was always adequate. Like many, I struggled at times to find the importance of my faith in my day-to-day life and remain devoted. Bryan and Dee Watson, however, have helped guide me through my doubts and troubles with their words, actions, and un-relinquishing faith life. They have been constant influences on my faith and desire to further develop my relationship with God. The importance of community is truly underrated and, in my opinion, essential. This is why I am so passionate about our mission to serve others through this nonprofit organization, as they have both served me while asking for nothing in return. Ever since I was elected to serve as a student director in Newark Catholic’s annual Kairos retreat my senior year, I have come to realize how truly satisfying and fulfilling it is to serve others whom are in need of spiritual or emotional healing, and the work that we have done so far has only solidified this notion for me. In order to be a leader in your community, you must first learn to be a follower and serve: that is exactly what we will do.   

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