By: Jess McCarthy, ‘17
“Community service is my passion.”
Those are the words of Cardinal O’Hara’s new history teacher and moderator for the Community Service Corps, Mr. Charlie Wieners. Mr. Wieners grew up in the Manayunk/Roxborough area where he attended Holy Family for grade school. Wieners continued his Catholic education at La Salle High School and then went on to St. Joseph’s University. Wieners attended SJU when it was an all male university.
Wieners was involved in a lot at St. Joseph’s. He was the famous Hawk mascot for basketball games. This opportunity gave him the distinction of being the fourth St. Joseph’s Hawk. To give you an idea of how elite this position is, today there has only been 35 other Hawk mascots. Talking about his experience as a hawk, Wieners said that the tradition was “once the suit is on, your arms never stop moving.” Mr. Wieners also had to work on his foul shots for the half time contests.
After his four years on the hill, one of his professors gave him the advice to branch out and go to a state school to broaden his horizons; so, he went to Miami University of Ohio for graduate school.
Ever since high school, Mr. Wieners had wanted to be a teacher and with an astounding 40 years of teaching under his belt, Mr. Wieners has covered a lot of aspects in the subject of history. This would include American history, International Politics, Russian History, Women in American History and, for the last several years, American Government. Mr. Wieners is currently teaching American Government to sophomores.
Aside from teaching history at O’Hara, Mr. Wieners is also the new Director of the Community Service Corps. Wieners has been serving the community since the 1970s. He was one of the founding members to jumpstart Operation Santa Claus which helps families in need during the Christmas season. Something that Mr. Wieners has been doing for a while is coaching Bonner & Prendie girls’ and boys’ tennis teams.
Sitting down with Mr. Wieners in the CSC office, he offered this advice for students, “Attitude is just as important as ability for success.” He truly believes that this is a key to achievement. He encourages his students to reflect about the lessons becoming taught each day.
With 40 years and counting in a successful career, he mentioned his wife and three children as his support system. His son is a master carpenter and contractor. His one daughter is an accountant. His other daughter is a teacher and director of special programs. Mr. Wieners is also supported by his five grandchildren. When asked, “What are your passions?” Wieners firmly replied “family, teaching, CSC and baseball.”
Mr. Wieners, on behalf of the students at Cardinal O’Hara thank you for your commitment to our CSC program. CSC is already off to a great start this year and is stronger than ever thanks to your dedication. Welcome to O’Hara and we wish you another successful year of teaching!
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