Highland Park resident Marc Salz is nothing short of a Super Dad to his three boys, which has not gone unnoticed by the Park Cities community. In fact, he has made such an effort to have a positive impact on his children’s lives, including through his involvement with their sports teams, that he has earned a prestigious recognition from the local YMCA. 

Marc has been named the 2012 Park Cities YMCA Father of the Year, which is an annual honor that is given by the branch to one dad, recognizing his dedication to being a positive role model for his children and actively involved in their lives.

And when it comes to being there for his kids, Marc makes sure to do it all.

Throughout the years, Marc has coached his children’s sports teams, including T-ball, baseball, soccer and basketball, and he has even been a Y Guides Chief, said his wife, Tolly Salz, who nominated him for the award with the help of her sons. Whether it's providing assistance with schoolwork or teaching Sunday School classes, Marc strives to enrich his children’s lives in what his wife describes as “spirit, mind, and body.”

“He has coached our three boys through years of sports; he has helped them with their homework on a daily basis,” wrote Tolly, in her nomination essay for the award. “He is there to read stories and tuck them in each night, listening to their daily ups and downs, always providing a shoulder to lean on or encouraging word.”

Tolly said that her husband Marc, who is a world history teacher at the Episcopal School of Dallas, is extremely loving and patient, and he always tries to foster a sense of community, whether it's at home with his family or while he is coaching a team on the playing field.

Marc’s three children, Michael Patterson, a freshman at Highland Park High School; Marshall Salz, a third grader at Armstrong Elementary; and Patrick Salz, a five-year-old at Temple Emanu-El Preschool, could not be more proud of their father.

“Dad can’t be father of the year,” his son Marshall wrote on the nomination essay. “Because he’s too awesome. He needs to be father of the century. Or father of forever and ever and ever.”

Marc said that he is extremely honored to have received the award, and he feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to coach with so many dads, who he describes as "great people," while helping positively impact the lives of his children and other local youngsters.

"I feel honored for having been able to work with the children and all of the other great dads," Marc said.

Marc was recognized for receiving the 2012 Park Cities YMCA Father of the Year award at a special event on June 12, as were recipients of the award from other Dallas-area YMCA branches.