Robert Jones

We welcome Robert Jones as the Distinguished Educator in the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame Class. Not only was he an educator in Lorain City Schools, but he also graduated from Lorain High School in 1962.

As a student at Lorain High, Bob played basketball and was the captain of the team. He also was a two-year letter winner in basketball. He was elected vice president of the National Honor Society. Bob received the Danny Award which recognized the top student athlete in his senior class. His memorable experiences from high school were playing basketball, having the lead in the school play “Ask Any Girl”, and attending the prom with Toby Fligner.

After graduation, Bob continued his education at Defiance College earning a bachelor’s degree in 1966. As a member of the National Teacher Corps from 1966-1969, Bob taught in Gary, Indiana. He joined the National Teacher Corps to experience teaching in the inner city. While in Indiana, he completed his master’s degree from Indiana State University in 1969. In 1975, he received his certification in counseling from Kent State University.

Bob returned to his hometown to continue his teaching career in Lorain at Hawthorne Boone teaching social studies and then Irving Junior High. Later, he moved to the high school level where he was a counselor in the 80s, but he returned to the classroom at Lorain High. When Lorain High closed, Bob was transferred to Admiral King.

As much as possible, Bob used humor in his class. One student’s most distinct memory is when he would randomly turn on the song dueling banjos in class. He'd play the air banjo for both parts. He'd play the first banjo then run or jump across the room to play the second part and then back across the room and back and forth until the song was finished. And Brad Pitt! He would look in the mirror and say "Brad Pitt"! You is a handsome man!" There was a game of "historical musical chairs" just like the game little kids play except when you were the student that didn't get a chair when the music stopped, you could stay in the game by answering a history question. Remember the old "Spelling Bee Game"? Bob's class did the same type of contest except they used history questions. His innovative teaching techniques created a classroom where students desired to learn.

Bob's students selected him as their favorite teacher numerous times. He was chosen as Outstanding Teacher twice in the U.S. Book of Outstanding Teachers. The Administration of the Lorain City Schools recognized him with appreciation awards for many years. He also received the Lorain City Schools Star of Excellence as he was nominated for being the most influential teacher during Corey Clay's education in Lorain Schools.

Bob's roots run deep in Lorain. His grandfather's family, the Gilmore family, was one of the founding families of Lorain. His great uncle, Griffin Jones, wrote the lyrics to the Lorain High School alma mater. Lorain Schools were fortunate to have Bob Jones remain in the city as a teacher, counselor and a mentor of our students. His positive impact on his students enable them to become better students, citizens and members of their careers and communities. Bob retired in 2004, but he provided our students with 35 illustrious years in Lorain! Thank you, Bob!

Robert Jones' Induction Speech