90385511
Not only has she taken an active role in her children’s lives, but, as a result, Jeannine McGuire has made her impression on other area youngsters.
Her offspring, Kayla, 13, and Michael 12, attended Sacred Heart of Jesus School, formerly 1329 E. Moyamensing Ave., prior to transferring to St. Monica School, 16th and Porter streets, after the former’s June closure. While McGuire, 40, has begun to attend St. Monica meetings, she was previously active on the Sacred Heart Home and School Association’s board, including two years as its recording secretary, and on the Catholic Youth Organization committee, tending to the kitchen at EOM, 144 Moore St., during basketball games.
“I like being involved and keeping busy with the kids and just spending time with the kids really,” the St. Maria Goretti High School, 1736 S. 10th St., alum said.
At age 3, her daughter developed a passion for dance through lessons at EOM. When a friend in the Second Street Irish Society, 1937 S. Third St., of which McGuire’s husband, Michael, is an original member, asked her to inquire if EOM’s instructor would teach there, she did and the teacher agreed. Kayla then joined the society’s Step Dancers, which debuted in 2006 with 17 girls.
“It’s such a big, family organization. That’s why I enjoy doing it. Family is so important to me,” McGuire, of Front and Ritner streets, said, noting other relatives’ roles with the society.
The Whitman resident since has stepped into the position as the troupe’s parent coordinator by scheduling about 60 girls, ages 3 to 13, for events like the Phillies’ Irish Heritage Night and organizing fundraisers, such as Coach bag bingo.
“Coach handbags are the prizes for the bingo,” the native of Front and McKean streets said. “We’ve had 300-plus come for these events, and we’re actually having our next one Nov. 17 at Neumann-Goretti.”
A Police and Fire Federal Credit Union sales rep by day, McGuire’s fundraising efforts mostly go toward the dancers’ main event — the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Since the girls are the last of the society’s marchers, McGuire enjoys seeing the girls’ male relatives in the Pipes and Drums step aside and watch the Step Dancers’ routine.
“It’s such a cool feeling,” she said of the girls’ perspective. “That’s what we do it for — just to give the kids something to look forward to.”
Contact Managing Editor Amanda L. Snyder at asnyder@southphillyreview.com or ext. 117.
Other 2012 Difference Makers
/ Joe Barbuto / Ella Best / Paul Bryson / Nicole Canale /
/ Jasmaine, Jeannine & Jenielle Cook / Erin Dougherty /
/ Duane Davis / Frank Franzini / Adé Fuqua / Bennie & Hilda Hudson /
/ Ray Innaurato / Ed McBride / Jeannine McGuire / Carrolyn Minggia /
/ Teri Ruiz & Leah Vodila / Jeffrey Rush / Rev. John Stabeno /
/ Marina Stamos / Anne Stanfield-Hagert / Charles Stecker / Megan West /
90385501
