Dads Get Involved
Since its founding in 1929 , the Parent Auxiliary Board , now known as Parents of the Heart ( POTH ), has always relied upon participation . Serving in various roles , parents have been at the heart of the school ’ s events and other activities for generations . Today , all parents are automatically members of Parents of the Heart , choosing a level of involvement that suits their schedule . If you ’ re a Dad looking for inspiration , some active members have been leading the way .
Frank Bruno , H8 , is what might be called a “ career POTH Dad .” Upon joining the Sacred Heart Schools community , Frank quickly realized that the way to be “ in the know ” was to become a Room Parent . That knowledge has served him well , leading Frank to participate in numerous capacities over the years . He has served as an Angel Family Host , Chair of the Equity and Inclusion Committee , and POTH President . One of the most rewarding aspects for Frank has been the opportunity to meet so many other parents and teachers and to share some great experiences with his son .
Dads have also found other opportunities to participate in the classroom . Ryan Garino , H ’ 19 , H6 , H1 , has found great enjoyment coaching Science Olympiad for the past three years . “ It ’ s really rewarding to see the talented Sacred Heart students test their problem-solving skills in the real world and to see their hard work pay off !”
Hosting an event is another fun way to get involved . Jim Sumoski , A4 , hosted Fall Gathering in October 2019 along with Chris DeLeeuw , A4 ; Dario Medina , A4 ; and Stephen Prassas , A4 , H1 . Friends since their daughters started at Sacred Heart in 2016 , they bonded over shared parenting values . Jim lives out his belief that involvement is important to “ ensure that all of our children are successful in growing into the adults that we , as parents , would be proud of .”
If hosting an event does not suit your schedule , then joining a committee provides similar camaraderie . “ When asked to become involved in L ’ Espirt de Sacré Coeur , I eagerly leapt at the opportunity to contribute ,” states Jim Giannis , H7 . He mentions working with fellow parents as being “ uplifting and profoundly rewarding … I found this type of dedication contagious and something that should be experienced by every POTH member at some point during their journey through Sacred Heart .”
Fundraising is not just carried out through traditional events . Brian Phelan and his wife , Katie , H4 , H2 , are the current Chairs of the Annual Fund Council . As well as bringing in vital funding , Brian relishes the community-building aspect too , seeing it as “ a year-long event spent encouraging and engaging the entire Sacred Heart community .” As well as meeting parents from years other than those of his children , he cites building relationships with staff members as a rewarding part of the role .
Jim Giannis and his son , J . D . H7 .
Serving in key leadership positions means a place on the POTH Executive Committee . Bart Huff , H ’ 17 , H6 , H3 , is a current Executive Committee member through his position as Parents Athletic Advisory Committee ( PAAC ) Chair . He notes that when he first joined POTH it was “ extremely rare to see another Dad in attendance ” and has long been an advocate for virtual meetings . In a year when families have been unable to visit campus , participation in any form is particularly appealing .
While every Dad ’ s motivation for involvement in Parents of the Heart is slightly different , there is an underlying desire to serve the Sacred Heart community . Our community is richer for embracing a range of voices and perspectives , and that is true in these parent roles too . Every parent is welcomed into the POTH community . In the words of Jim Giannis : “ Many , particularly men , are reluctant to volunteer their time and talents in the mistaken belief that what they have to offer will have little impact or value . I can only assure them that nothing could be further from the truth . I strongly encourage them to become involved in whatever way they can .”
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