Mother of two Shannon Yerke is everything you want in a volunteer and parent. With two kids in high school, Yerke stays busy with their activities. Oldest daughter Jailynn is a senior at Sacred Heart and a member of the volleyball, basketball, and dance teams. She is also involved in CYO and Big Brother, Big Sister. Yerke said Jailynn is a “community leader for her house.” Youngest son Leon is a freshman and plays football, baseball and is in power lifting. He’s also a member of CYO.
Volunteering for their activities is something Yerke loves to do. “I love being able to give back to the school that I graduated from. I enjoy being able to be a part of the kid’s activities and knowing that they appreciate me being there and helping out. I know that they will be able to have that team dinner or be able to play the sport they love because having volunteers is what keeps them going,” said Yerke. “I feel that it is important for parents to volunteer so that your children can see that you not only care about the activities they are in but also letting them know that you support them. It also shows a sense of family and leadership that hopefully the kids can take with them.”
Sacred Heart is a special place for Yerke and her family. “I love the small community at SHHS. It is a great place for the students because they are able to get more one on one time and the teachers there really show they care. It is a sense of family. Being a student-athlete, this gives the kids a different type of support system. Being a single mom a lot of times these coaches and other parents are ones that stepped up and were wonderful role models, not only showing them the love of the sport but for our faith. Knowing that regardless of where you are in the classroom, on the court or on the field being at SHHS you will always have someone that you can call family,” said Yerke.
Away from volunteering, Yerke said she enjoys spending time with her family. “I honestly do not have any free time with both kids in sports and all their other activities. I would not want it any other way. I want them to see me at their events and look back and say my mom made sure she was at every single game or special event. My kids are my life,” said Yerke.
