Pinnacle Academy Celebrates Community and Connection with Annual Father’s Walk
Mornings at Pinnacle Academy in Euclid, Ohio, are always filled with energy, but one special September morning brought an extra sense of pride, community, and excitement to the hallways. Dads, grandfathers, uncles, and father figures gathered in full force to walk their students to school for Pinnacle’s annual Father’s Walk.
The event, an annual tradition encouraged across Cuyahoga County by the Fatherhood Initiative, celebrates the vital part male role models play in students' lives and educational journeys. It’s also an opportunity for families to reinforce National Heritage Academies'® (NHA®) Moral Focus™ virtues, such as respect and gratitude, by showing students the power of positive leadership in action.
"Thanks Pops!" A Sweet Start to the Day
As father figures walked their children into school, they were met with a warm welcome and a playful treat.
"We provided Pop-Tarts for our dads, saying: 'Thanks Pops!'," shared Principal Katie Strick. "We collaborated with our Southwest Food partners to get the Pop-Tarts for our dads."
The simple gesture set a festive tone for the morning, allowing families to snap photos, catch up with staff, and share a sweet moment together before the school bell rang.
Teaming Up with the Cleveland Browns
A central highlight of the morning was a special partnership with the Cleveland Browns’ “Stay in the Game!” Attendance Network. Former Browns players Greg Pruitt and Ben Davis joined the event to greet families, snap photos, and share an inspiring message with Pinnacle families about the importance of showing up every day.
Bringing high-profile guests to the school was the result of creative collaboration and hands-on dedication by Pinnacle staff.
"We love to have a photo opportunity with our dads and their children, and this year we were able to up the fun by collaborating with ‘Stay in the Game’," Strick explained.
Parent Liaison Katie Palinski spearheaded the effort to secure the former NFL players, which involved going the extra mile outside of normal school hours.
"Katie coordinated with ‘Stay in the Game’ to get two former Browns players to attend," Strick shared. "She was able to facilitate this by volunteering at a Browns game selling 50/50 raffle tickets. My husband and I were able to volunteer as well."
Showing Up and Staying in the Game
The presence of Pruitt and Davis added an extra spark to an already uplifting morning. The former players encouraged students to commit to their education, stay motivated, and build good habits by attending school consistently.
With over 200 father figures joining the walk, the event highlighted the strong bond between Pinnacle Academy, its families, and the surrounding community. Dads and father figures left knowing their presence made a difference, while students headed to their classrooms feeling celebrated and supported.
As the morning wrapped up, the overarching message was clear: when families, schools, and communities team up, students win.