I had the privilege of spending a couple days with 50 leaders from around the state while they got trained in Capturing Kids’ Hearts. My good friend O’Neil was their trainer and, as usual, he did an amazing job!
I’ve seen O’Neil do probably five or six Capturing Kids’ Hearts trainings over the past 10 years, so I’ve gotten to know his stories pretty well. But, he said something on Thursday that always causes me to pause and spend some time reflecting on my life and my leadership.
As he was talking about eXplore and the need to truly listen to the people in our lives, especially our students, he shared a Cherokee Proverb: Pay attention to the whispers so you won’t have to listen to the screams.
Take a moment, whisper that sentence to yourself, and reflect.
Pay attention to the whispers so you won’t have to listen to the screams.
Who’s whispering to you? What are they saying? What are they trying to tell you? Are you waiting for them to scream before you respond? With whom do you have to find some face time?
Choose to be Great.
Angelo
Published by Angelo DelliSanti
“Education? You don’t want to do that with your life. You’ve got other plans.” That’s what Angelo DelliSanti’s high school counselor told him his senior year. And she was right—at first. Angelo had spent three years preparing to become a U.S. Navy officer. But an internship with a math teacher during his senior year changed everything. Helping struggling students master algebra sparked a passion for education that would shape his career.
Over the next 15 years, Angelo served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal, returning to his alma mater to teach World History and later advancing to leadership roles. As a principal, Angelo implemented the Capturing Kids’ Hearts process, leading to remarkable academic gains, increased scholarships, record-breaking graduation rates, and improved school culture. These achievements earned him recognition as the Rowan-Salisbury Schools Principal of the Year in 2018.
In 2022, Angelo joined Capturing Kids’ Hearts as a Leadership Solutions Strategist where he is dedicated to working together with school leaders to create remarkable schools. He holds a Bachelor’s in History and Secondary Education from UNC Charlotte, where he was a North Carolina Teaching Fellow. He also completed a Master’s in School Administration and completed all the required coursework for a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from his alma mater, earning the Outstanding Student Philip Morris Educational Fellowship in 2017.
Angelo lives in North Carolina with his wife, Kasey, whom he married in 2008. Together, they enjoy escapes to the mountains and beaches. Angelo’s passions include golf, non-fiction books, cooking, and sharing meals filled with laughter and connection around the table.
View all posts by Angelo DelliSanti
CHOOSE TO BE GREAT 