The Midway Alumni Network, a committee of the Midway ISD Education Foundation, recently named Jonathan Hal Reynolds, Class of 1999, as the 2020 – 2021 Distinguished Alumnus. His contributions to the community at large and Midway in particular will be celebrated throughout the coming school year.
Mr. Reynolds attended Midway ISD from Kindergarten through 12th Grade. During his Senior year, he was elected Mr. MHS, Class Favorite, Most Caring, and Prom King. Beyond his years at Midway, he traveled the world as an international fashion model for clients such as Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Giorgio Armani. After exploring all seven continents on over 30 overseas expeditions, he and his wife founded the educational travel company Elite Expeditions, which is partnered with National Geographic Magazine. He writes children’s novels for HarperCollins Publishing in New York City, and he currently lives in Salado, TX with his wife and kids. Jonathan is a 32-degree Freemason, an active member of the Harvard Masonic Lodge in Boston, and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society in England. His Bachelor’s degree is in Professional Writing from Baylor University, his Master’s degree is in Literature and Writing from Harvard University, and he is currently working on his Ph.D. in English Literature, Film Studies, and Creative Writing at the University of Birmingham in the UK. He has mentored hundreds of kids and teenagers from the Midway community during the past two decades.
“He is one of the most outstanding young men I know. I first had the pleasure of working with Jonathan about 6 years ago when he shared his passion for writing with some of our sixth grade students. Jonathan’s Monsterstreet series was published this past summer. Not only did he have a tremendous crowd at his Barnes and Noble book signing event, he visited all Midway elementary and intermediate schools for book signings. Students posed for pictures with Jonathan wearing his werewolf gloves! The books are always checked out and a huge hit with our students. His love for reading and writing is so contagious,” said Midway librarian Beth Hair.
Woodgate Intermediate School instructor Laura Cubos says, “Jonathan is a true Distinguished Midway Panther Alumni in using his education and talents to pursue his own dreams, as well as encourage and lift others onto their own paths. It is a true honor and pleasure to call him friend.”
Jonathan Reynolds says that he dedicates this “Distinguished Alumni” honor to his parents, grandparents, his sister, and all his classmates and teachers from his years at Midway.
Congratulations to Mr. Reynolds from the Midway Alumni Network and the Midway ISD Education Foundation!
