Indy Standard

Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) has highlighted the story of Jennifer Devine, a 1985 graduate of John Marshall High School, as part of its Alumni Spotlight series. The initiative is designed to share the experiences and achievements of former students and demonstrate how their education at IPS influenced their lives.

Jennifer Devine initially pursued nursing at Vincennes University after high school, following her father's wishes. However, she soon realized that her true interest was in teaching. With encouragement from her husband, she returned to school for a teaching degree while managing responsibilities as a mother. She attended what is now Indiana University-Columbus.

Devine now teaches at Charles Warren Fairbanks School 105 in the same fourth-grade classroom where she was once a student herself. She focuses on engaging students with hands-on STEM activities.

Reflecting on her time at IPS, Devine said, "I am PROUD to be a public-school graduate. I know many people who went to private schools, and I believe attending public schools made me stronger, more empathetic to students of all backgrounds, smarter, and a better role model."

She recalled building up the girls' cross-country team during high school: "I wanted to run, but there was not a girl’s cross-country team at my school and I remember the coach (Butch Mazingo) saying, 'if you get a team of girls interested, then we would love to have you'….so I did. And I was known for being a very good runner during my four years at John Marshall, along with building up the program."

Devine also spoke about how IPS shaped her perspective on education: "It has made me prouder of public education and shown me that teachers matter. Being kind, listening to students, and being someone they trust was and still is a vital key in the public school setting. Many kids don’t have someone at home, so I strive to be that listening ear and quick hug to this day!"

On skills learned during her time as an IPS student when busing began for desegregation efforts, Devine shared: "I went to school when busing started. I remember (1st or 2nd grade) being assigned a student (African American) to buddy with and show around the school. I was so excited. I believe being in school at this time helped me gain the knowledge that everyone should get along. We should not see color, but only look at a person’s character. I still remember my buddy’s name to this day,' Precious Flagg.' She was this tall black girl, and I was a tiny little red-haired girl. We made the best pair and I just loved her."

Describing her return to IPS after years teaching elsewhere: "I came back to my roots. I worked in private schools for my first 15-16 years, and a friend called with an opportunity to come back to my old stomping grounds at School 105 to teach STEM. I was a little nervous because I have heard horror stories about IPS these days, but I made the leap. This is my second year, and I couldn’t be happier. I truly feel connected to these underprivileged kids and love teaching them. My heart is full!"

Addressing challenges faced as an IPS student—specifically starting an athletic program—she stated: "I would say the challenge of not having a girls’ team in the sport I wanted is one challenge and I met that head on. I went out and recruited enough friends to start a team and we had the best time and memories."