New St. Paul Westlake Principal Excited for the Future

BY RICK HAASE

WESTLAKE – Admittedly, Jeremy Louden has a big job in front of him. He likens it to working on a jigsaw puzzle.

Running Westlake’s oldest independent preparatory school for students in grades Pre-K through 8 is no easy task.

But the West Park native is up to the challenge.

“I want this to be a thriving community where we focus on spirituality, academics, leadership and innovation,” he said.

Louden officially began his duties on July 2.

“Right now, I’m learning the bits and pieces and how everything fits together.”

Louden, 33, who comes to St. Paul Westlake from Lutheran South Academy in Houston, TX., describes his educational philosophy simply.

“Every student deserves a high quality education, and should be treated equally, fairly and with respect.”

Don’t forget, however, to add the faith-based component into the mix.

“It (our faith) drives everything we do through the viewpoint of our beliefs and our Christian world view,” he said.

Louden said it’s a great time to be taking the helm of his new school.

“We’re celebrating our 160th Anniversary in 2018-2019, and it’s just very exciting.”

He grew up in Northeast Ohio, and now calls North Ridgeville home.

One of the biggest challenges of being a parochial school principal, Louden says centers around value.

“Parents want to make sure that their hard-earned dollars are spent wisely. That’s not hard to prove at a place like St. Paul Westlake. We have a wealth of opportunities for students who express differing areas of interest, not to mention our seminar program, which allows them to be involved in educational activities outside the normal school curriculum, such as robotics.

This is a year of lots of change for Louden and his wife, Elizabeth, who is a teacher.

In addition to the new job, a new home and relocation back to the Buckeye state, the couple expect their third child in October. They are the parents of Natalie, 6 and Maverick, 3.

What is it that Louden thinks separates St. Paul Westlake from the rest of the competition?

“Our staff, without question,” he said. “They are caring, experienced and knowledgeable. They have a genuine interest in each and every student.”

At Lutheran South Houston, Louden was the Director of Bands as well as Head Basketball Coach.

“My relaxing and unwinding used to be coaching,” he said. Now, it’s spending time with his family, golfing, and watching and participating in team sports.

He’s not only excited for the future at St. Paul Westlake, but also looks forward to getting to know each of the school’s 163 students.

“It’s good to be back home in Greater Cleveland,” he said.