Get to Know: Nick Garuckas '09

After graduating from VASJ, Nick Garuckas ’09 earned two degrees from St. Bonaventure University: a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master of business administration. The City of Hamilton presented him with an opportunity to begin his career in local government as part of its competitive municipal government fellowship. While working in the city manager’s office, Nick worked on various research projects with the city, including creating a railroad quiet zone, writing grants and acquiring land for a bike path.

He then took on the position of city clerk, working closely with city council and the mayor in preparing meetings and legal postings, organizing various boards and commissions, and working with the law department to create new ordinances.

Last fall, Nick left the City of Hamilton to become a project manager at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base for the United States Air Force. He now manages and communicates projects between the U.S. Air Force and the air forces of partner nations to further the interests of the United States.

Where did you grow up while attending VASJ?

I grew up in the City of Willowick with Lake Erie as my backyard until October of my freshman year at VASJ when my family moved to Kirtland.

Where did you go to school before VASJ?

I attended St. William Catholic School on East 260th Street in Euclid from kindergarten through 8th grade. A fun fact – my mother, Patrice Garuckas, was and still is a teacher at the school.

Which teacher or class at VASJ do you remember most and why?

World History or Government with Mrs. Joseph. I had her as an instructor more than once during the course of high school. She was always passionate about what she was teaching us and explained everything in a relatable manner. What I really remember most is the honest conversations about how the world worked and what most likely happened in past world events, not just what the history book said. Classes and discussions like that are what got me interested in studying political science and later working with and in various government agencies.

Did you have a favorite spot to hang out during high school and what did you like about it?

The cafeteria is probably the room where I spent the most time, and the Technical Building is probably the place I most liked spending my time. Since there were not any buses or many rides to school from Kirtland, I would end up arriving at VASJ every day before 7 a.m. The only room that was open during that time was the cafeteria. As I got older, new freshmen would routinely ask me what I did to permanently have morning detention. It was pretty fun to make up stories about what I had supposedly done.

As for the Technical Building, I would be there after school to meet for cross country practice, and I even got to take woodshop with Mr. Martinko for two years. Learning about and then crafting furniture or stages that the Drama Club would use for its plays was really relaxing and enjoyable.

What, if anything, about your experience at VASJ would you do over?

Honestly, I had a great experience at VASJ, so I really would not change much. I played a few sports and was a part of various clubs, so I feel like I was able to meet a large number of people through one event or another. If I were to do it over again, maybe I would try playing football this time around. Cross country was great, but there have been a few seasons of watching the Cleveland Browns where I thought to myself, “Hey, I could be a starter on this team!” Thankfully they have vastly improved during the last few seasons — for all of our sakes.