About Ruth Jones-Hairston
Ruth Jones-Hairston dedicated her life to education and community empowerment, leaving an enduring legacy of service, compassion, and excellence. With nearly two decades of experience in Grand Rapids Public Schools as a teacher, counselor, and principal, she touched countless lives. As the principal of Henry Paideia Academy, Ruth was known for her innovative leadership, implementing programs that enriched students’ lives and strengthened family engagement.
Beyond her work in schools, Ruth was a nationally recognized educational consultant and motivational speaker. Her passion for equitable access to education and community resources stemmed from her unwavering faith and belief in uplifting those in need, embodied in her favorite verse, Matthew 25:40: Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these, brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.“
Her legacy continues to inspire through the Ruth Jones Media Center at the Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Academy and the newly founded Ruth Jones Educational Enhancement Center (RJEEC). Created by her daughter, educator Zsanara Jones, the RJEEC furthers Ruth’s mission by providing scholarships, professional development, educational experiences, and resources for students and parents. Through these initiatives, Ruth’s vision of empowerment and opportunity for all continues to thrive, ensuring her impact will be felt for generations to come.
Ruth Jones Educational Enhancement Center 