Joshua E. Perry

Even though Joshua E. Perry was a football star at Olentangy Local’s (Delaware) Olentangy High School six years ago, the NFL player’s off-the-field pursuits also are promising to be game changers in his hometown. He started the Joshua Perry Family Foundation, a charity that impacts students from kindergarten through eighth grade by bridging the gaps between school and home. “What we want to do are after-school and mentorship programs,” Perry said. “There are underprivileged young people who have … immense talent, and they need guidance … to develop that skill. We’re putting on a (free) camp this year at Olentangy Berlin High School.” Perry attended Olentangy Local Schools from fourth through 12th grade. His father, Jim, works in sales and marketing, and his mother, Georgette, is an aide at Olentangy Local’s Walnut Creek Elementary School. “From a young age, my parents made me feel like I could achieve anything I was willing to invest time and effort into,” he said. “They always told me to seek creative ways to find solutions. They instilled a drive to work hard and a thirst for knowledge.” Perry’s 22-year-old brother, Jahred, works at Olentangy’s Heritage Elementary School, also as an aide. His 25-year-old brother, Wes, is a music instructor in California. Jahred has a mild form of autism, so Perry’s foundation also raises money for the Autism Speaks. “My brothers were so big in my journey. … Being young, black children in a predominantly white area, we always had a chip on our shoulders to be not only great students, but also positive leaders. “One of my favorite high school memories was my English class my senior year. We were encouraged to think critically through new lenses, and this shaped how I try to change my perspective to gain understanding in my everyday life.”   After graduating with honors in 2012, Perry played football at Ohio State University and majored in consumer sciences. At OSU, Perry was a three-year starter, team captain, All-Big Ten player and national champion. Additionally, he was named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and was a finalist for the Senior CLASS and Lott IMPACT Trophy awards. His NFL career began with the San Diego Chargers. He played for the Indianapolis Colts in 2017 and now is a free agent.