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Kirkmere students eat doughnuts with Dad
Kirkmere students host fathers at special event
By Denise Dick
YOUNGSTOWN
Shawn Rollins grew up without his father, so he makes sure he’s always there for his three children.
That’s why when his daughter, Shaniya, 13, an eighth-grader, asked him to attend Donuts for Dads at Discovery at Kirkmere, he didn’t hesitate.
“It’s father-daughter doughnut day; of course I’d be here,” Rollins said. “I come to all of her events.”
Shaniya enjoyed the event, too.
“It’s nice,” she said. “I like it because we can spend more time together before he goes to work.”
Monday marked the second Donuts for Dads, for which fathers, grandfathers, uncles and brothers were invited to the school for the treats and to learn about the school, meet teachers and get tips for helping
their children with their homework. It was organized by Principal Misha Scott, her administration, faculty and staff.
“Please don’t be strangers,” Scott told the men. “We need as many men in our building as can be.”
Children filled the school cafeteria, eating with their dads or other father figures.
Chauncey Holcomb attended with his niece, Nivea Savage, 9, a fourth-grader.
“She asked me,” he said. “Her dad is not in town, so I try to come to her events.”
That’s in addition to the school activities of his five children: two at Youngstown Early College, one each at Rayen Early College Middle School, Volney and East High School.
Holcomb and his niece are close.
“She’s at our house all the time,” he said. “She calls me Uncle Dad.”
Gary Lytle’s reason for attending the morning event is simple.
“It’s for my kids,” he said.
Lytle sat with his children, Noah, 10, a fifth-grader; and Hannah, 9, who is in fourth grade.
“It’s Donuts for Dads because doughnut starts with a ‘D’ and dad starts with a ‘D,’” Noah explained. “Doughnuts are one of my favorite foods, and eating with my dad is a good experience.”