Ever wondered what keeps the school community so tight and dedicated to Mount Carmel high school? The Fathers’ Club might be the answer. This great group of dads has been playing a key role at the school for years, raising money, volunteering their time, and making sure the students feel like family there.
Led by- current president, Tom Kwiatkowski, father of current senior Juan Pablo, and who joined the club in 2017 when his oldest son Bruno started attending Mount Carmel, the Fathers’ Club organizes many activities and events. From concession stands to security during football games, their work helps the school and its students in many ways. The club’s money and efforts go into projects like the school’s dugouts, the baseball clubhouse, and other needs. “All the money we collect and raise goes right back to the school,” Mr. Kwiatkowski explained. “The school uses it for repairs, scholarships, or young men that need help at school.”
The Fathers’ Club’s efforts support scholarships and other needs for students at MC. “Something we do is that all the money we collect and raise goes right back to the school,” said Mr. Kwiatkowski.
The Fathers’ Club has a strong history of supporting Mount Carmel’s community spirit. Through the years, the group of dads has done more than raise funds. They have provided much-needed security during events, helped build physical structures for the school, and offered a place for dads to bond. Mr. Kwiatkowski says the club isn’t just about work but also friendships. “We help each other out when there are things that need to be prepared or set up,” he shared.
As Mr. Doug Kolom, another active member, explained, his motivation to join came from wanting to be closer to his child’s school community. He joined three years ago when his son Bruno was a freshman. “I found out about the Fathers’ Club and wanted to get involved with the school more,” Mr. Kolom said. Since then, he has become known as the winner of the club’s annual chili cook-off and has created strong friendships within the club.
Both Mr. Kwiatkowski and Mr. Kolom see the Fathers’ Club as unique. Mr. Kwiatkowski points out that, unlike other schools’ parent groups, the Fathers’ Club at Mount Carmel doesn’t ask for any money from members, only their commitment. “We do not ask for donations,” he explained. “We just ask for your time. Anything helps.” Mr. Kolom, too, sees this as special, describing the meetings as a brotherhood, where dads pray, eat, and bond.
But keeping the club active hasn’t always been easy. Mr. Kwiatkowski admitted that one of the biggest challenges has been finding enough volunteers, especially as the school expands. Still, he’s optimistic, hoping to see the club grow in future years. “Hopefully it keeps growing and keeps prospering,” he said.
While it can be challenging to get new fathers involved, Mr. Kolom believes that the experiences make it worthwhile. “I would definitely recommend coming to one of the monthly Fathers’ Club meetings and seeing for yourself,” he shared, saying he has gained valuable friendships and new skills since joining.
As he looks ahead, Mr. Kwiatkowski knows the club can make an even greater impact if more dads volunteer. He emphasized that even a few minutes can help. “Just come in and help,” he said. “You can give me 10 minutes of your time, and I would love that because sometimes there have only been five guys working a football game.”
For Mount Carmel High School, the Fathers’ Club is more than a group of volunteers. It’s a network of men dedicated to making a difference for their sons and their community. Whether through fundraising, organizing events, or simply showing up, the fathers show students what it means to support one another. Their impact is far-reaching, and it’s time everyone sees just how essential they are in shaping Mount Carmel’s tight community.
