Kai Wahlgren loves to “give back” to the community he has called home for more than 15 years.
That’s why, despite a very busy personal and professional life, you can find Bolingbrook Park District’s Facility Program Manager volunteering an hour of his time every Tuesday morning to the Bolingbrook High School F.A.N.S.S. (Friends and Neighbors Supporting Students) program.
Designed by Valley View Superintendent Dr. James Mitchem when he was Principal at BHS, the F.A.N.S.S. program consists of parents and community members who volunteer their time to interact with students, and assist staff during the school day.
“Being a part of F.A.N.S.S. is definitely worthwhile,” said Wahlgren. “You get a lot more out of it than you’re giving.”
During his first year in the program, Wahlgren spent an hour a week with students as they arrived at school through Door 17 on the south side of the building and also in the cafeteria during lunchtime. This year he starts his assignment at 6:30 a.m. at Door 1, which is the main entrance to the school.
“F.A.N.S.S. is very flexible,” he said. “You can give as much or as little time as you want. It’s not a huge commitment.”
Wahlgren, who also volunteers his time as an Assistant Scout Master for Troop 35 and coached a variety of youth sports when his son (now a BHS sophomore) and daughter (BHS Class of 2015) were younger, says he is delighted to be able to interact with students many of whom he has known since they attended the Park District summer camp he runs.
“Seeing familiar faces is fun,” he said.
Wahlgren has nothing but praise for BHS students (“they’re very respectful”) and the BHS staff, especially the security team (“they really care”). “This, for me, has been an interesting glimpse into what really goes on in the school during the day,” he said.
As to advice for someone thinking about volunteering for F.A.N.S.S., Wahlgren says “get involved and give back to your school.”
VVSD has launched a drive to expand the F.A.N.S.S. program. Interested community members can receive more information by contacting F.A.N.S.S. coordinator Diane Parro at DParro@comcast.net.