National Volunteer Week is April 19-25 and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the many volunteers who so tirelessly give their time to the Academy in a multitude of ways. This week, Academy mom Nyeisha Patton (Dakenzie ’32 and Dakaylei ’33) reflects on her experience volunteering at the Academy and the joy and connection it brings as she build community within our school.
Volunteering is not something I do when I have extra time — it is a promise I made to God, and a calling that continues to shape who I am every single day. What began as a personal commitment to serve has grown into something much deeper, especially within the Sacred Heart community.
As a parent, I did not come into this school simply to drop my children off and pick them up, I came with a genuine desire to belong. I hoped to become part of a community, to build meaningful relationships with fellow parents, faculty, and staff, and to offer my time and support wherever it was needed. What I discovered was far more profound than I anticipated: a true sense of family, connection, and shared purpose that continues to grow each time I choose to serve.
Volunteering has allowed me to experience my children’s school life in a way that goes far beyond the surface. I am not just hearing about their days, but I am witnessing the environment that is shaping them and the moments that help define their growth.
Through volunteering, I have also had the opportunity to connect with other parents, teachers, and staff members in ways that are genuine and lasting. One of the most meaningful recent experiences that reflected my heart for volunteering was assisting with the Pre-Chemin events including the Easter Egg Hunt and the Middle School Dance. Alongside Abigail Alvarez Fuentes and a dedicated group of mothers, we invested an extraordinary amount of time and care to ensure these events were memorable for the students. In those moments seeing the outcome of laughter and joy unfold, the long hours and hard work transformed into something deeply fulfilling. What made every moment worthwhile was witnessing the outcome — the excitement of the children during the Easter Egg Hunt, the laughter echoing across the field, and the joy and excitement displayed at the Middle School Dance. I love to volunteer so that the children at the Academy can continue to create memories together. And, the moms also had fun and created lasting memories!
Some parents may feel hesitant to volunteer with our busy schedules or life in general, but your presence matters more than you think. If there is one thing I hope others take away from my experience, it is this: do not wait for the perfect moment or the perfect circumstances. Simply begin. Say yes. Step in. You will realize what you gain is far greater than anything you give, which is what makes volunteering truly special.
Volunteering has deepened my faith, strengthened my connection to my children, and given me a true sense of belonging within this community. The Academy of the Sacred Heart is more than a school, it is a place where love is demonstrated through action, and where service brings the community together.
