John and Sarah are a busy Parkland couple with two beautiful children; Vincent, 8, and Aria, 6. The family circle also includes their pet beta fish, Magic.
As for their careers, Sarah is an AP Government teacher with Florida Virtual School, and John owns and operates Rizzo’s Holiday Lighting with his partner and is the Director of Charitable Operations and Giving for the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation.
John, a graduate of Douglas high school, has lived in Parkland since 1991. Sarah moved to Parkland in 2013.
Nothing says “active family” more than both kids being involved in fun physical activities. Vincent plays baseball, flag football, soccer and golf. Aria is a gymnast, plays flag football and soccer.
Sarah tells us, “As a family, we all volunteer and raise funds for the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation. We also volunteer for the Parkland Cubs Challengers Baseball team as a family.” She’s the President of the PTO at Heron Heights Elementary School. John is on the Parkland Flag Football League Board.
When asked about family time outside of work and school, John tells us, “We enjoy traveling, going to sporting events, doing outdoor activities, and just spending time together.” He adds, “We love the family feel of Parkland. We spend so much time at the fields and parks and enjoy seeing our friends and neighbors out in the community. We love the close proximity we have to our kids’ school and that we can walk to and from each day.”
Vincent is in 2nd grade and Aria is in Kindergarten. Both attend Heron Heights Elementary School. Vincent’s favorite subject is art and Aria enjoys reading.
Sarah ends our interview with some further insight and a challenge.
“As a family we always try to live by the golden rule and treat each other and those we interact with respect. We are very active in the community and always encourage others to be the change they wish to see. If there is something you think can be done better or run more efficiently, step up to the plate and volunteer!”
The Rizzos attend services at Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church.
