Rocco and Sally claim Allegheny County Parent-of-the-Year award! Posted by:Lloyd Woodward--Thursday, October 07, 2010

Kathie Tagmyer from Wesley Spectrum Family Counseling gave a brief introduction to Rocco and Sally. Then, in eloquent dual acceptance speeches, Sally and Rocco humbly accepted Allegheny County Parent of the Year 2010. Sally spoke first making the shorter of the two speeches. Then Rocco took over with a moving summary that included key moments of their story.




Sally began by stating that she is engaged in a personal fight against Enabling. Sally seem to take Rocco by surprise when she commented that he is an awsome father. She also mentioned that she wished that every PSST parent could win the award because they all deserved it.

Next it was Rocco's turn. "When we came to PSST we found out that we were good parents; just not good parents for an addict." He also used the analogy of when he took driving classes for work and was taught that the driver is the most important person in the car. If he doesn't take care of himself first, he can't of much use to his passengers. His point was clear that if parents don't take care of themselves they will be no use to their children.

Rocco also reported that he and Sally were on first name basis with School Principals and that they sought help from therapists but that no matter what they did Cisco still would say, "I don't care." Finally, the Parents began attending PSST, Juvenile Probation processed criminal behavior for Cisco and he was placed in a drug rehab, Rocco felt like their sanity could be saved, that Cisco might be saved, and that their marriage could be put back on solid ground." At one point Rocco got a bit choked up and this only added to the strong impact that their message had on the audience.

As one of the administrators at Juvenile Court commented afterwards, "Parent-of-the Year award was the highlight of the night."

Not only did Rocco and Sally easily deserve this award, but their participation in last nights Awards ceremony was good recognition to highlighted how important and effective PSST can be for parents.

Both Sally and Rocco, thanked Valerie Ketter, Supervisor of the D&A Unit, Lloyd Woodward, Probation Officer, Cathy Culbert and Kathie Tagmyer from Wesley Spectrum. They also sent a big thanks out to all the Parents from PSST who had helped them the last several years. They were also grateful for their extended families many of whom were present in the audience cheering for Rocco and Sally.

Perhaps Rocco and Sally would post their there complete acceptance speeches here on our blog!
Hurray for Sally, Rocco, and for Cisco (without whom none of this would be possible.)

Stay tuned for more pictures. I only have a few pictures in my camera but I know that there were lots of pictures taken, so when I come across more pictures I will post.