April's Volunteer Spotlight is on Jeremy Comito

The St. Monica Academy School Board recognizes that so many of the events that are run through our school and our parish are successful because of those who volunteer their time to make them happen.  Each month, the School Board will shine a spotlight on a randomly selected volunteer to share their story and spread the message that volunteering is done by all of us in many ways!

April’s Volunteer Spotlight is on Jeremy Comito

April's Volunteer Spotlight is on Jeremy ComitoJeremy Comito is a St. Monica parent and parishioner, the Wolf Den Assistant Cub Scout Leader and has been active within SMA as a Chicago Fireman to talk to the children about Fire Safety and Prevention.

We recently reached out to Jeremy to learn more about him and how he incorporates volunteering into his busy schedule.

VS:  Hi, Jeremy! Thanks so much for agreeing to be our April Volunteer Spotlight!  And thank you for taking the time to share your story!  We know how busy you are, particularly as the dad of two young kids and as a Chicago Fireman and Paramedic!   Can you tell us a little bit about yourself outside of volunteering at St. Monica’s?

Jeremy:  Sure thing!  My name is Jeremy Comito and my wife, Leesa, and I have been SMA parents for 5 years, ever since our son was in preschool. We also live in the neighborhood and are St. Monica parish members.

VS:  What a wonderful time of life!!!  But it sounds awfully busy!  What drives you to volunteer on top of all that you have going on already in your life?

Jeremy:  It allows me to spend more time with my son doing fun things and being a positive role model, while he is still young enough to think I'm cool.

VS:  LOL!!  And these are the times your son will definitely remember!  Still, as a Fireman and Paramedic, life must be hectic!  Do you find that the demands of everyday life act as a challenge to volunteering?

Jeremy:  Sure, but it’s that way for everyone!  I’m fortunate to be a shift-worker, which allows me to have time to volunteer.  Still, my wife works a full-time job and I watch our 19-month-old daughter on my days off. So, juggling homework, dinner, and getting the kids ready and out the door is sometimes a challenge at the end of a very long, busy day. But my wife and I make a great team and we work together to make sure everything gets done.

VS:  Having a partner to make it through the busy days definitely helps!! And you guys are deep in the parenting trenches!  So what would you say to someone like you, someone who’s already got a million and one things to take care of and who's on the fence about volunteering? 

Jeremy:  The point isn't to gain recognition and sometimes it can feel like a thankless job. People do really appreciate your time and effort and in the long run, what matters is your kids will appreciate all that you do to make their school and community a great place to belong to. All the wonderful things that happen at St. Monica only happen because of the volunteers and the time they dedicate.

VS: Excellent point, Jeremy!  The community at St. Monica’s is so strong because we pull together to make big things happen.  So tell us, what will you be volunteering at next? 

Jeremy:  Next year I plan to move up to Den Leader for my son's Cub Scout Den, which will take up a lot of my time. I also hope to have time to help out with more fundraising events.

VS:  That’s fantastic, Jeremy!! Good luck with your new position next year!  And thanks so much for sharing your story and your time with us, Jeremy!