Columbus Mom Volunteers: the Sisterhood behind the Brotherhood

by Thomas Schaffer

Mom Volunteers posing for a group photo at their Appreciation Night. (Photo Credit: Mrs. Cue)

On a breezy Tuesday evening, Columbus moms who volunteer countless hours were treated to charcuterie boards, lively music and a night of appreciation.

Hours of work spent setting up events, helping with tournaments and coordinating with vendors were honored in appreciation for their efforts.

But the cheerful mood wasn't just a product of upbeat music or pleasant weather; it was fostered by the sense of community among the mom volunteers, a sense many called a "sisterhood."

For most of the moms, volunteering wasn't a burden at all. "It was an opportunity to give a little something back," Jasmine Estrada, a Junior parent, explained.

For these moms, volunteering was a way to be active in the community.

"I think it's really important to be a part of what the boys are doing and being involved in the school," Explorer mom Andria Ascencio-Miranda said.

Becoming a part of the volunteer network was also made easier by the welcoming environment.

Another mother of a Junior student, Susan Rodriguez, added: "People have given me their tidbits, what they've learned, or how to make things better."

Mother Favorites

As for the events, there was a clear favorite among the mom volunteers: the Food and Wine festival. The vendors, the atmosphere and the people drew frequent praise.

Another event that got mentioned, perhaps unsurprisingly, was the infamous Columbus Pig Roast and the Alumni Tailgate.

Cameron Hernandez, mom of a current freshman and sophomore, said, "Watching former players come back to cheer on the current team reminds me why Christopher Columbus High School is different. The brotherhood here doesn't end at graduation."

Regardless of the event, helping set up with fellow volunteers clearly bonded the moms.

Sisterhood

When asked to give a word to describe the community of volunteers, one kept repeating "sisterhood."

In supporting their sons and the brotherhood that exists among Columbus students, mom volunteers created their own close-knit network, a connected group of mothers who take time to contribute to the broader school community.

Hernandez said, "Being part of the Mom's Club has given me my own version of the brotherhood...As a mom of two boys, being even a small part of the Columbus Mom's Club means everything."

That closeness was undeniably present Tuesday night, with smiles and laughs everywhere. From an administrative perspective, these mom volunteers are indispensable.

Mrs. Vivian Cue, Alumni Relations Manager at Columbus, remarked that "the events run smoothly, like clockwork, because our moms are always there."

And when problems arise, moms work overtime to support the school. Mrs. Cue added that, when some volunteers couldn't make it to a Food and Wine event, "we had moms that worked double shifts just to keep it running and keep it smooth."

This willingness to put in the behind-the-scenes work was a common theme among the honored volunteers.

Of course, students graduate, and most families move on, but speaking to the mothers Tuesday evening, the sense of community extended even after their sons accepted their diplomas. Ximena Artime, mom of a 2022 graduate, mentioned the family atmosphere.

"It's like this school is still my family," said, a nod to the continuing connection between volunteers and Columbus.

Moms of rising seniors also acknowledged the bittersweet feeling; yet there remained an unmistakable interest in continuing to volunteer at Columbus.

Despite earlier inclement weather, the clouds seemed to part for Mom Volunteer Appreciation Night.

For an hour and a half, mom volunteers weren't rushing from station to station, setting up canopy tents or making calls to vendors, but were honored with an evening of gratitude from the school they constantly serve.