Jason Christman
Age 28, accounting manager at Vox Mobile, an Independence company that manages mobile devices for businesses. Lives in Coventry Township. Graduate of Canton McKinley High; bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting from Malone University, master’s degree in taxation from University of Akron. Hobbies: playing acoustic guitar, singing, tennis.
Former co-worker and previous boss told him about Torchbearers. “It was a way to get connected to the city. I’d moved to Akron about 1½ years before I joined Torchbearers.”
Lashawrida L. Fellows
Age 31, office manager at Urban Ounce of Prevention Inc. in Akron, which provides community outreach programs and substance abuse treatment services. Lives in Akron. Graduate of Buchtel High in Akron; bachelor’s degree in business administration from Kent State University, master’s degree in human resource management from Capella University. Hobbies: Exercising (Zumba, Pilates), bowling, shopping, traveling.
A friend told her about Torchbearers. “I love being out in the community, being able to help other people. It’s very rewarding to me.”
Marie Reichart
Age 31, principal of Our Lady of the Elms Elementary School in Akron. Graduate of Our Lady of the Elms High in Akron; bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from John Carroll University; master’s degree in school administration from University of Akron. Lives in Fairlawn. Hobbies: running, reading, spending time with family.
A school board member told her about Torchbearers. “I felt I could learn a lot about being a stronger leader, and I also thought I could give back through the organization.”
Christopher Richardson
Age 39, program manager at Oriana House Inc. crisis center, which includes a detoxification unit and drop-in center in Akron. Lives in Warren with his wife, Darlene, a logistics manager, and their three children. Graduate of LaBrae High. Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from Kent State University. Hobbies: golf, landscaping.
A co-worker told him about Torchbearers. “I was interested in [the group’s] investment in helping young professionals grow and learning how you can find your niche as it related to giving back.’’
Anthony Scolaro
Age 27, chef, in charge of food and beverage operations at Westfield Inn, owned by Westfield Insurance in Westfield Center. Lives in Wadsworth with his wife, Colleen, a fifth-grade teacher, and their child. Graduate of North Royalton High; two-year culinary degree from the University of Akron; working on a bachelor’s degree in organizational supervision from UA. Hobbies: Spending time with family, cooking at home “when I have time.” Scolaro explains he’s the father of a 19-month-old.
— Katie Byard