Typically, if you were asked to name a few things that make you think, “elementary school" you probably wouldn’t say Frat Brothers. But, for the last 11 years, at Bridgeport Elementary, a group of young men from Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, at Miami University have been showing up and making a difference in Elementary Students' lives.
Starting in 2014, HCSD Physical Therapist, Angela Henson and her son (a member of Pi Kappa Phi), had an idea. An idea that would change lives and make the world around us a better place. In the years since it started, the young men of the fraternity have been steadfast in their commitment to visiting Bridgeport and connecting with students who are, unfortunately, sometimes overlooked. Even when Hamilton City Schools went virtual through Covid, the young men of Pi Kappa Phi still made the students a priority and found ways to connect with them both virtually and as Pen Pals. Today, in 2025 there are approximately 120 brothers who have blessed Bridgeport students with their time and talents.
For the brothers of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, philanthropy is at the core of who they are. Through acts of service and leadership, Pi Kappa Phi is proud of the work they’ve done through philanthropic endeavors such as…the Ability Experience. Founded in 1977, the Ability Experience aims to support and empower individuals living with disabilities through acts of service and fundraising. Pi Kappa Phi works diligently to raise money for The Ability Experience, which is also of great benefit to the students at Bridgeport. During the 2024-2025 school year, Pi Kappa Phi raised $30,000.00! Money that went towards the Ability Experiences’ affiliated programs, such as Bridgeport. The fundraising efforts put forth by the young men of Pi Kappa Phi are nothing short of inspirational. One of their more notable fundraising accomplishments was the ability to purchase several pieces of playground equipment. Equipment that’s not only accessible, but socially impactful. The equipment encourages collaborative play amongst all students, which in turn helps build friendships and bonds that last long after the brothers head back to Miami. That, in its most heartwarming form, is what leaving a legacy is all about.
The gentlemen of the Pi Kappa Phi are clearly great at fundraising, but that’s not all they do for the students at Bridgeport. They also make visiting with the students a priority by coming in several times each month. They take part in field day, participate in classroom parties, play sports and games. They’re also happy to simply just sit and talk with students or do crafts, read books, and even take part in imaginative play. They’re truly there for the kids and it shines through in everything they do. The brothers of Pi Kappa Phi have built a community with students, accepting them just as they are, where they are.
As a general rule in life, when we give our best to others, expecting nothing in return, we too are blessed far more greatly than we ever imagined possible. Evan Haughey, current Pi Kappa Phi Philanthropy Chair, may have summed it up best though when he said, “The brothers love coming to Bridgeport to spend time with the kids. It is definitely a big highlight of the week for the guys to come and spend time playing and hanging out. It makes our week.”
Well done Pi Kappa Phi. Maybe the world needs a few more Frat Bros willing to step up and make a difference.
