James Fruits, a longtime volunteer and active parent in the Garfield Heights City School District, has become a finalist for the Cleveland Indians “Mentor of the Year” award. This award is given to individuals who have demonstrated dedicated leadership values in their own respective communities in Northeast Ohio.
James was primarily nominated for demonstrating a desire to improve the Garfield Heights City Schools in several notable ways. Those included taking on a leadership role in several levy campaigns that ultimately led to the passage of the first new money operating levy in March 2012 in more than 20 years. Additionally, James has been instrumental in helping to bring AllPro Dads to the buildings in Garfield Heights, which is a mentorship program devoted to enhancing the roles that fathers play in their students’ lives. Those who know James Fruits also know that this recognition is not about him or his family, but about advancing the community of Garfield Heights.
This humble approach and servant leadership is what makes Mr. James Fruits a shining example in our community.
You can watch a video clip of James by clicking here.