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By Mandy Haggerson

For the Clemmons Courier

Growing up in a community that he enjoyed and respected, Jay Callahan has always appreciated how it impacted his life. From his earliest days playing multiple sports from soccer to swim team, the first athlete to letter in 12 varsity sports at R.J. Reynolds High School appreciated both the physical benefits and the camaraderie of his teammates. He also learned from his parents that if you want to make a difference, you have to be part of the process. 

After earning his degree at West Virginia University, a family tradition, Callahan was eager to start his professional journey. When his former soccer coach found out he would be heading to his hometown, Callahan was recommended for a coaching position at the local high school. So began Callahan’s journey on the soccer field in a new capacity, as a coach. His gift for developing players and teams was immediate.

While coaching, Callahan wanted to help elementary students with autism in the classroom. Seeing the appreciation and gratitude these students felt was meaningful. Combining his love for students on the field and in the classroom, Callahan earned a master’s in teaching at Salem College.

Callahan’s new position at Salem College became a full-time position. He was the first full time coach and sports information director. Callahan’s accolades included being a six-time regular season champion and being one of the winningest coaches in the NCAA Division III. Callahan also prioritized academics with his athletes, and they received an academic award of a 3.0 GPA every year they were eligible.

His unique way of recruiting players and building a team did not go unnoticed. He was asked to coach the USA high school all-star team in Sweden. And then took the helm at Reagan High School’s soccer program.

As Callahan’s career was flourishing, he was married to his wife, Katie who he had met while tutoring at ABC of NC. They also shared the same excitement for having a family. With their children, McKinley, Hudson and Cooper becoming their top priority, part of raising children in the Callahan family was modeling how to be compassionate to people in their community. 

“I started a blog about different ways people could locally give back. It was meant to be funny because I joked about my minivan and referred to the site as ‘the man van’ to try and garner support and attention,” Callahan said. “Each month I would pick a charity to support and help locally that somehow involved my minivan and took photos.”

With his entire family invested in philanthropy, Callahan was ecstatic when a full-time opportunity presented itself at the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Winston-Salem (DSAGWS). Now in his eighth year as the executive director, the organization continues to grow under Callahan’s leadership.

“We have four terrific staff members who are invested in our community. We also have the best board of directors and remarkable volunteers,” said Callahan. 

Ensuring that individuals with Down syndrome in the Piedmont area are valued, included and given the opportunities to pursue a fulfilling life is the mission of DSAGWS.

Callahan is inspired by the steady growth of DSAGWS and interest in the local community.

“Our events and programs have continued to grow in the past several years with our older events (Buddy Walk, Deacon Dash, Starlight Gala) continuing to expand, and new amazing events like Victory Day and much more,” said Callahan. 

Currently Callahan is focusing on their largest fundraiser of the year, the Second Annual Starlight Gala on May 3.

“We’re excited about the silent auction, delicious meal, open bar, special guests which include our keynote speaker, Sofia Sanchez. She is an actress, model, author and disability advocate along with our emcee, Katie Nordeen,” said Callahan. “We also have two very deserving award winners with Austin Barnhill receiving our self-advocate award and Tricia McManus receiving our community award.”

Making the event fun is important as Callahan explained, “The proceeds go towards adding new programs like our new art program with Sawtooth. They also help provide summer camp scholarships to all of our members, Thanksgiving turkeys to our families, continue to strengthen our existing programs and much more. Every year we meet new inspiring families and continue our relationship with our current families. We are one of the few organizations who get to work with our members and their families from birth throughout their lives. We are always looking for new partners, volunteers and participants in our events to come see all that we are trying to accomplish.”

If not working hard to make the Starlight Gala a success for its members, Callahan can be found on the soccer field with the Mt. Tabor girls soccer team.

“I am excited to get to work with the players and my coaching staff. Mount Tabor is a great institution and definitely somewhere I am excited to send my kids to in the coming years. Our team has had a great start to the season, and I look forward to watching them continue to grow on the field and as the great young women that they are becoming,” said Callahan.

And family life for Callahan is also evolving. With McKinley on the eve of entering high school, Hudson heading to middle school and Cooper soon to be entering kindergarten, the Callahan family has lots of firsts ahead.

“McKinley is playing field hockey now and continuing to be a great musician. Hudson is at the baseball field working hard most of the week, and when he isn’t, he is trying to sneak in as many video games as he can,” said Callahan. “Cooper is ghostbusting 24/7 and making everyone around him laugh because he is hilarious. He is also a great artist. Katie is still doing a great job as a nurse, and also having to put up with me, which might be the hardest job around. When we get the opportunity (which isn’t very often with our schedule), we do like to travel as a family. That time is so special.”

For more information on the Starlight Gala, visit: dsagws.org/1st-annual-starlight-gala-shining-a-light-on-abilities/