School volunteers say being a part of devoted community is its own reward

Laura Keener

Editor

The month of August is Back to School month and the perfect opportunity for the Campaign of Mercy to focus on the corporal work of mercy “to instruct the ignorant.” No one likes to think of themselves or others as ignorant. But the truth is, everyone needs someone to show them the right way to accomplish tasks, to help them develop skills, to think critically, to develop their faith life and at times be corrected. It is an act of love to help others to learn the truths they need to know to save souls — their own and others.

Using a broad definition of “instructing the ignorant” to include any opportunity to support Catholic schools in its mission to teach and form students, Catholic schools offer a cornucopia of volunteer opportunities. Tutors, room assistants, cafeteria servers, fundraisers, school promoters, social media coordinators, coaches — the list accommodates just about any interest. And volunteers are always welcome.

Marci Schroder is a parent volunteer at St. Thomas School, Ft. Thomas, where two of her three children attend. She got involved at St. Thomas School two years ago when her daughter started school.

“I was just looking for an opportunity to meet other parents and get involved,” said Mrs. Schroder.

At the time St. Thomas School was planning for its first Green and Gold Gala, its largest fundraising event. Organizers asked Mrs. Schroder if she would co-chair the event. She agreed.

“And it’s kind of just took off from there,” Mrs. Schroder said, “and the next thing you know, I’m getting plugged into everything else.”

In addition to co-chairing the Gala, Mrs. Schroder coaches cheerleading and is a room parent.

“I just help out wherever they need me to,” she said. If you follow Northern Kentucky high school sports, it’s likely that you have met, heard or held a program in your hand produced by Dave Schabell. Mr. Schabell is the voice of Bishop Brossart High School’s boys’ basketball and football as anchor of the Meridix Broadcast team. The 1965 Brossart alumni also operates the BMustangs.com website, serves as business manager and traveling secretary for the BBHS basketball program, edits the basketball program’s Media Guide and organizes fundraisers for the athletic program.

His lifetime of coaching, and now volunteering, has earned him a spot in six Hall of Fames and for one year, in 2022, the road to the BBHS Mustang Athletic Complex bore his name. And while he appreciates being appreciated, he is more humored than boastful by all the accolades, saying that “it’s just what I do.”

“I may swing by, watch the soccer game that night, get a Subway sandwich, sit in the press box, eat dinner, write a little story, go home, put it on the website … one day leads to another, days to weeks, weeks to months, months to years,” Mr. Schabell said.

The 77-year-old bachelor with no children of his own finds his unique position with the BBHS athletic program, which is void of any disciplinary responsibilities, a unique opportunity to help students. His relationship with students spans the generation gap, with the students accepting him as a trusted mentor.

“I got a good rapport with the kids,” Mr. Schabell said. “I try to keep them out of trouble if I see problems occurring. They trust me. I can sit down and talk to a kid and say, ‘Hey, let’s chat. I need to know what’s happening here.’ That’s amazing how you can keep your finger on the pulse of the program, whereas if I were the head coach or the hammer or the disciplinarian, I wouldn’t have that same relationship that I have with the kids.”

For both Mrs. Schroder and Mr. Schabell being a part of a devoted and supportive community is a blessing.

“It’s been very fulfilling for me just to be involved in my children’s school, and really it’s helped me,” said Mrs. Schroder. “I was brand new to the St. Thomas community, so it really helped me to get to know other parents and other families, and just to get to know the community in general. There are so many people here that volunteer. It’s unbelievable the commitment from not only the parents, but the parishioners too, and that’s very inspiring.”

Last December, Mr. Schabell stepped off the curb in front of the Alexandria Post Office and suffered a severe knee injury. He said he is now in his 36th week of what he was told would be a 13-week rehab. After surgery, a oneweek hospital and a two-week stay at a rehab facility, Mr. Schabell returned home to find generations of folks eager to help him.

“Our people set up a meal train and for three weeks, every night at six o’clock I’d hear a knock on my door and in they come with dinner, which usually I ordered,” he said. “People will rally behind you if they believe in you, or they trust in you,” adding that he was never at a loss for a needed ride or groceries. “It’s nice to be appreciated. Volunteering is not a monetary reward, but just the fact that you are appreciated and realizing that you’re making some sort of an impact in a positive way is rewarding.”

For information on volunteer opportunities at your parish school or any of the nine Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Covington, contact the school’s office. They will be happy to get you started.