Volunteer Spotlights 

Here at OLMC we are so lucky and blessed to have SO MANY caring volunteers who give so much of their time.  If you know of someone who you'd like to have put in the volunteer spotlight, please nominate them here:   Nomination Form.

"Alone we can do so little.  Together we can do so much." - Helen Keller
 

Volunteer Spotlight May 4, 2020:  Brant H.


Why do you volunteer at our school?   Gives me a chance to spend time with my kids.

What’s your favorite part of being a volunteer?  I get to meet a lot of great people from OLMC who I normally wouldn't get a chance to talk to on Sunday.

Do you have a favorite or funny memory from volunteering?   Football season and experiencing the team comradery.

One thing that would surprise someone to learn about me is….I am related to the famous outlaw, Jesse James.

What is your favorite thing about OLMC school?    My kids get an education while growing in their Catholic faith!

Brant’s Favorite Inspirational Quote:   "Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision." - Winston Churchill

Brant’s Favorite Bible Verse:   Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

Why do you volunteer at our school?   It is what we are called to do, Serve One Another. The teachers sacrifice so much to teach our children and I want to give back to them. 

What’s your favorite part of being a volunteer?  Seeing my children and my children seeing me serve. Also, socializing with parents and teachers.

Do you have a favorite or funny memory from volunteering?   I love the smiles and gratitude from the teachers when we serve them luncheons. The teachers are always joyful and truly enjoy each other's company.

One thing that would surprise someone to learn about me is…. I primitive (no electricity or water) camp for a week on an island in Wisconsin every July since the boys were babies and without my husband. 

What is your favorite thing about OLMC school?    Our Catholic Community is so welcoming and willing to serve which is infectious to others. And the Sisters calming holy presence.

Life Advice Tami would give:   You cannot truly appreciate a teacher until you have spent a day in their shoes.

Tami’s Favorite Inspirational Quote:    The great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving.

Tami’s Favorite Bible Verse:   Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 | NIV

Why do you volunteer at our school?   I believe that a community and school become what those who are part of it put into it. I want to raise my boys in a community that cares for others, serves others, and the people who make it up feel a sense of responsibility for how well it does. If I want a community like that for my family, I have to be a part of making that happen. Volunteering allows for that.

What’s your favorite part of being a volunteer?  Getting to meet new people, see my kids, know their friends and their friends' parents and getting to see kids grow and learn who God is calling them to be. 

Do you have a favorite or funny memory from volunteering?  My favorite memories are the ones when I see kids I've coached perform to the best of their ability. Whether it was on the soccer field and seeing the team come together as one unit, the Robotics kids presenting their invention and talking about the engineering they learned, or the Scouts running up to me and exclaiming how they hit their popcorn goal or finished a certain requirement. When the kids I've helped feel and show genuine pride in themselves, those are my favorite moments. 

One thing that would surprise someone to learn about me is….I was a violinist my entire childhood through college and traveled to various states to perform on stage, including New York and Disney World. 

What is your favorite thing about OLMC school?    The pride in faith that people have and share. People aren't afraid or nervous to talk about their love of Christ and all He has done for them, which is such a gift to have that be such a normal part of life. I've never experienced anything like that in any other place I've lived. 

Meghan’s Favorite Inspirational Quote:   Do or do not. There is no try. - Yoda. I like this one because if you approach something with the mentality, "I'll just try," when it gets hard, you're more likely to quit. If you say, "I'm going to do," then even when it gets hard, you are more likely to really push through to the finish. 

Meghan’s Favorite Bible Verse:  “Love is patient, love is kind.” This is one I say over and over to myself. By showing patience and kindness, I am showing a tiny sampling of God's love for us. He is always patient and kind to me, so the least I can do is try to show that same love to others in my human way. 

Why do you volunteer at our school?   Part gratitude and part selfishness :) I am so grateful to the Priests, Sisters, Teachers, Administrators, Volunteers, Parishioners, Parents, and students that help to create a safe and dynamic learning environment for our students that I want to help whenever I am able. I also love getting glimpses of my kids’ day and being a little part of their world at school.

What’s your favorite part of being a volunteer?   Being part of awesome teams that help make the best memories and examples for our kids. The added bonus is that I almost always learn something and/or get to know someone every time I volunteer. My prayer is that all of the kids from OLMC and beyond will learn from the example of people giving their time and talent to help. 

Do you have a favorite or funny memory from volunteering?   There are truly too many to count! The funniest and most memorable come from the St. Nick Shop. We are constantly amused to learn of Grandma and Grandpa's strong affinity for wine and beer or why big brother or sister is getting a present even though they don't like to play nice. An especially touching story came from a very little customer who said they were buying a gift for their sister who died as a baby. These kids are so full of sweetness. Outside of school but related...One of the best testimonials that I can provide, for volunteerism, is working with Tools for Schools. I was checking in volunteers and the lady working next to me told me how just a few short years earlier she herself was standing in line to get school supplies for her family because they were struggling. Now she is a volunteer helping others!! I'm so proud to be part of a beautiful community that gives a hand up so that people in need can create better lives for themselves and turn around and help others do the same. No matter who we are big or small we all need a helping hand, ear, or shoulder from time to time. 

One thing that would surprise someone to learn about me is….I have an uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time when someone is choking and requires the Heimlich Maneuver. Over the years I've successfully (thank you God) performed the maneuver 6 different times, on choking people of all ages, across 3 different states. Four of the six times were in public with an audience. Two of the six times were at Cafe Patachou, (brunching) once in Clay Terrace and once in downtown Indy. I was also 7 months pregnant with Alex during one, and 8 months pregnant with MaryGrace during another one. It's a whole different experience and skill level with a "beach ball" between you and the person choking. 

What is your favorite thing about OLMC school?  Carpool... just kidding. My favorite thing about our school is that our Catholic identity is evident as soon as you enter the building just by looking around, talking with our wonderful teachers and administrators, and observing the students and many volunteers. Also (and I'm not kidding) I have an irrational fear of school buses so I'm grateful for carpool in all its (occasionally dysfunctional) glory. Please be extra nice to me if you see me taking deep breaths on a field trip bus! 

Life Advice Shelly would give:  So much advice to give and to learn myself... Be kind always (especially when it is hard) not just to others but to yourself. You are amazing and people need loving most when they deserve it least. Keep the faith!

Shelly’s Favorite Inspirational Quote:  Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don't have the strength. 

Shelly’s Favorite Bible Verse:  "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” -Philippians 4:13