Frank Sergi gives ‘that little extra’ to Scecina
Scecina volunteer Frank Sergi paid tribute to his late wife, Scecina graduate Trish (McMahon) Sergi ’73, and many other “saints” as he received the Father Tom Service Award on Oct. 24.
Frank Sergi (center) with two of his three children, Mark and Monica.
This year marked the 75th anniversary of the death of Father Thomas Scecina, the school’s namesake, who perished aboard a Japanese POW ship during World War II on Oct. 24, 1944.
The Father Tom Service Award is given annually to a person who believes in the importance of Scecina Memorial High School and, as Father Tom did during his life, lives the motto of “give that little extra” every day, said Scecina President Joe Therber before the presentation to Mr. Sergi.
Frank Sergi is an active and dedicated Scecina volunteer through his faith-based counseling efforts with dozens of Scecina students, especially students who are 21st Century Scholars. He cares deeply about these young people and has made a marked difference in many of their lives.
Mr. Sergi accepted the award after a special Mass attended by all Scecina students and staff, his family friends, and many representatives from the Indianapolis Catholic education community.
He remembered Father Tom for his invaluable service, as well as the Sister of St. Francis Oldenburg, who were administrators and teachers at Scecina for year.
He recalled the life of Bill Kuntz, “a gentleman who had a very close connection to Scecina as a teacher, coach and principal as well as a longtime affiliation with the CYO of Indianapolis.”
Bill Kuntz “ ‘walked the talk’ long before that phrase was popularized,” Mr. Sergi said. “He dedicated his life to serving others and was an inspiration to those committed to helping people.”
Mr. Sergi’s most emotional tribute was to his late wife Trish, for whom a Scecina endowment is named.
“My favorite and most caring saint and angel in Heaven is someone who influenced my life more than anyone. She was an extraordinary person who attended Scecina and sat where you are 50 years ago, in the fall of 1969,” Mr. Sergi told the students sitting in the bleachers. “My wife of 37 years and special education teacher her entire professional career and the mother of our three children, Mark, Tim and Monica … Trish McMahon Sergi. While I miss her, I’ll never forget her, and I know she is with Jesus Christ, smiling and cheering the Scecina school song.”
Read more: Frank Sergi’s full comments at Father Tom ceremony
Mr. Therber, in his remarks, noted Mr. Sergi’s dedication to Catholic education.
“He has a deep-rooted faith in God and a belief in every young person’s potential. Living this belief motivates him to serve at Scecina,” he said.
Read more: President Joe Therber’s full remarks from 2019 Father Tom ceremony.
