Greetings from the President
On behalf of the Plano ISD Council of PTAs, I want to thank
everyone in attendance for tonight’s event. The Plano ISD Life
Membership Banquet has always been my absolute favorite event of
the year! What an amazing opportunity to have so many wonderful
volunteers and staff who impact the lives of our students on a daily
basis, together in one room, to celebrate all of the Life Membership
Honorees in Plano ISD for this year.
Rhonda Snyder
President
Plano ISD
Council
of PTAs
To all of the honorees who will be recognized on our stage this
evening, congratulations on receiving one of the highest honors
in PTA. Your commitment to children in your school and your
community will have an impact far beyond your imagination. To all of
our local PTAs, thank you for your time and commitment to serving
the students of Plano ISD. Our PTA Council is only as strong as our
PTAs at the local level, and that is what makes us an example for
PTAs across Texas.
To all of this year’s Council sponsors, thank you for your investment
in our Council and the programs we provide throughout Plano ISD.
Without your financial support and services, we could not accomplish
everything we do each year. To my amazing Council Board members,
thank you for making this year of PTA one of the best that Plano
ISD has ever experienced. Your dedication to not only your local
PTAs, but to PTAs throughout our district, is truly awe-inspiring and
its been an honor serving as your President this year. I hope you all
enjoy your evening and know that you are all appreciated beyond
what words can say.
Keynote Speaker
Karen has served on local, council, district, and State PTA boards in
various chairmanships and elected offices in both Odessa and Lubbock
since 1991. She currently serves as the past President for Texas PTA.
Karen Slay
Texas PTA
Past President
Karen serves on many community-based boards, and is the
volunteer Executive Director of the Injury Prevention Coalition of
the South Plains. She served on the Lubbock ISD Board of Trustees
for eight (8) years. She is the founder of the US Department of
Transportation’s “Kids Aren’t Cargo” campaign, and was the
driving force behind legislation in Texas that passed in 2001 to
keep kids out of the back of pickup trucks. She has appeared in
many magazines including Woman’s Day and Texas Monthly, and has
appeared on the Oprah Show.
Karen has been married to her husband Steve for 30 years and they
have four sons.
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From my heart to yours...
You are all royalty!!
…Boys become kings, girls will be queens. When we love,
when we love…
These are the words from the popular hit song Kings & Queens
by Audio Adrenaline. Every time I hear these words I think of the
many volunteers, honorees, sponsors, registrants, and speakers that
have given their support to the Plano ISD community and Plano ISD
Council of PTAs. I am eternally grateful for that and I thank you!
Angela S. King
3rd VP Membership
Plano ISD
Council of PTAs
A heartfelt thank you to the current Council Officers and Board
Members who have unselfishly given of their time and energy to
make this year’s banquet a success! My appreciation goes out to each
and every one of the members for your support and for every small
opportunity that you seize to contribute.
I extend my sincere appreciation to all Plano ISD PTA Presidents,
Membership Chairs and PTA volunteers for their teamwork and
support. You knew that I was the new kid on the block, but that did
not stop you from showing me so much love and support this year.
As I write this thank you message, I am reminded of how rewarding
this year has been to me, both personally and professionally. A
special thank you to our awesome Superintendent Richard Matkin,
Karla Oliver, Lesley Range-Stanton, the Leadership Team and
the School Board Trustees of Plano ISD. Words cannot express
the joy that I feel, as I watch each of you work daily on behalf of
our children. To my right and left hand volunteers who worked
tirelessly in the background: Pam Spooner, Becky Byrley, Inga Hsieh,
Amy Nelson, Laura White, Kelley Thomas, Lisa Mendiola, Michelle
Schroeder, Frances Fass, Erica Johnson, Tamra Sadafsaz and our
President, Rhonda Snyder. I couldn’t have done it without you!
To my rocks, my husband, Charles, and my daughter, Alexis, I am
truly blessed to have you both in my life. In every PTA endeavor that
I take on you both support me. You never complain and you always
cheer me on. Thank you for your love and support! I love you both...
past the moon!
A TRIBUTE TO VOLUNTEERS
Valuable is the work you do,
Outstanding in how you always come through.
Loyal, sincere and full of good cheer,
Untiring in your efforts throughout the year.
Notable are the contributions you make,
Trustworthy in every project you take.
Eager to reach your every goal,
Effective in the way you fulfill your role.
Ready with a smile like a shining star.
Special and wonderful - that’s what you are!
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Celebrating the
Royalty of Plano ISD
Colorguard Presentation
The Cadets of
Plano East Panther
Battalion
Welcome
Angela S. King
3rd VP - Membership,
Plano ISD Council
of PTAs
Introduction of
Special Guests
Recognition of Sponsors
Greetings from
the City Council
Rhonda Snyder
President, Plano ISD
Council of PTAs
Angela S. King
Pat Miner
Council Member
DINNER
Guest Speaker
Karen Slay
Texas PTA
Past President
Presentation of Awards
Angela S. King
Readers:
Penny Chapman, Erica Johnson,
Amy Nelson, Pam Spooner, Susan Svidlow,
Kelley Thomas
Closing
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Angela S. King
Plano ISD Council
of PTAs
2014 Award honorees
Penny
Chapman
Richard Matkin
Richard Matkin
joined Plano ISD as its
chief financial officer
those volunteers
in 2001 and became
that works
superintendent of
tirelessly in the
schools in the spring
background, not
of 2012. Under his
for the accolades
leadership as CFO,
or recognition
Plano ISD annually
but simply for the
earned the prestigious
kids. She put her heart into the mission
Certificate of Achievement for Excellence
of strengthening community support of
in Financial Reporting by the Government
the education of our children through
Finance Officers Association of the United
PTA support from local businesses. She
States and Canada—and the district has
dedicated herself to always being available
earned the highest rating of “Superior
to local PTAs to develop programs and
Achievement” in the state’s Schools
strategies to accomplish this goal and
FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of
she developed an in-depth community
Texas) program.
membership/partnership plan for the
Mr. Matkin was a classroom teacher
Council of PTAs.
for eight years before choosing an
Penny is the type of person who is
ready to work with any and everyone. She administrative path. A career educator, he
put her talent for forming strong business/ also has private industry experience as a
controller and CPA where he honed his
school partnerships to work as Co-Chair
business acumen and financial creativity.
of the Teacher-of-the-Year Gala. Her
Before coming to Plano ISD, Mr. Matkin
diligent work, organizational skills, fresh
advanced his financial management
ideas, and belief that it never hurts to
expertise in Duncanville, White
ask, benefited all local PTAs and teachers.
Settlement, Carrollton-Farmers Branch,
These skills also increased the skills of all
Plano ISD PTA leadership in the many top Desoto and Red Oak ISDs.
His 36 years of experience have
quality district wide trainings she organized.
yielded him the reputation as a school
During her first year as First VP Aide
finance authority and a mentor to young
to the President, Annette Maule said that
she was always a steady rock and sounding professionals.
Superintendent Matkin graduated
board for new ideas and a great partner.
from Austin College where he earned
Someone that could always be counted
both bachelor of arts and master of arts
on to handle every small detail beyond
degrees. He is the 2013 recipient of Austin
expectations, always pleasant, and always
College’s “Distinguished Alumni” award.
a willing teacher and support person to
fellow board members, the district and
all local PTAs. All the while working
humbly in the spirit of making every child’s
potential a reality.
Penny is one of
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Amanda Driscoll
Lesley RangeStanton
Amanda Driscoll
has served in PTA for
several years, as SAGE
Chair, VP Volunteers
and president at Hunt
Elementary, 5K Chair at
Murphy Middle School,
and is currently serving
as Community Outreach chair for Plano
Council of PTAs. Amanda got involved with
Council four years ago when she was known
around the district as the “Coat Lady”. She
engineered the largest coat drive the district
has even seen, collecting coats from over
20 campuses and businesses in Plano ISD.
Then with her team, she washed them and
delivered to over a dozen schools in Plano,
providing warm coats for over 850 children.
And this was just the beginning. Amanda has
a passion for our low income families, always
looking for ways to help not just the children
affected by poverty but the schools they
attend. During her two years on Council,
Amanda has overseen the STAAR snacks
drives, two successful Poverty Simulations
which raised awareness and educated our
community on the challenges those living in
poverty face every day, orchestrated two
very successful Hygiene Kit drives which
provided age specific hygiene kits for over
1,500 Plano ISD school children.
Amanda was chosen in 2013 to be a
member of the first Texas PTA Emerging
Leaders Academy, where she represented
Plano PTA well. She then went on to
represent the Texas PTA at the National
Council of States meeting on poverty. Her
excitement for community outreach is
contagious, and there are now 35 chairs
serving on PTA boards all over the district.
Her sense of humor and drive infuse every
project she tackles and she has inspired so
many to join her in the battle against the
effects of poverty on our kids. She is proud
to share this honor with her husband Scott,
her children Holden, Quinn and Isla and her
many friends in the Plano community.
Lesley RangeStanton is the
director for
communications for
Plano Independent
School District, one
of the largest public
school system’s in Texas with more than
55,000 students and 7,000 employees. She
has been responsible for communications
and community outreach efforts supporting
a range of school district stakeholders
since 2009. Lesley manages the district’s
community and public relations efforts,
website and social media resources, video
production, special events and district events
such as our Teacher-of-the-Year Gala.
Previously serving as marketing and
development director for The Real Estate
Council and The Real Estate Council
Foundation, Lesley was responsible for
public relations, marketing and fundraising
for a large, diverse commercial real estate
association and related nonprofit. In this
role, Lesley helped manage the initial public
relations and marketing efforts for Dallas’
newest landmark, Woodall Rodgers Park
(now officially named Klyde Warren Park).
A communications professional with a
broad range of corporate and nonprofit
experience, Lesley was formerly the director
of communications at Dallas’ largest and
most historic synagogue, Temple EmanuEl. She also worked as a technical writer
and graphic designer for J.D. Power and
Associates and the Mississippi Department of
Archives and History.
Lesley, who serves on the board of
directors for Plano’s Heritage Farmstead
Museum, also supports her community
as a PTA member and volunteer, a Plano
ISD Education Foundation volunteer and
a volunteer and “Friend of the Park” for
Dallas’ Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation.
Lesley’s career in communications began as
a student assistant in the public relations office
of Millsaps College in Jackson, MS, where she
earned a bachelor of arts degree in English.
5
Texas PTA Extended
Service Award
Honorees
In 1987, the Texas PTA Board of Directors developed criteria for an Extended Service
Award to be given to those people who have received an Honorary Texas PTA Life
Membership AND who have continued to give outstanding service AND who have been
actively involved in the Texas PTA for ten years or more. Presentations of the Extended
Service Award honor that long term dedication to Texas PTA and the young people of
Texas. On behalf of the Plano ISD Council of PTAs and its local unit member PTAs, we
congratulate tonight’s honorees.
Academy High School
“
One of the
gratuities
about being a
director
is that you can
volunteer
yourself out
of difficult
details.”
Steven
Spielberg
Renee Godi
“I dare not stand idly by” is the personal philosophy of Renee Godi.
She chose to live out that philosophy in Plano ISD 14 years ago after
graduating from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Arts in
History. She taught eighth grade history at Frankford Middle School,
where she was honored as the Beginning Teacher of the Year and
served as team leader. After completing a master’s degree in education
administration and secondary principal endorsement at the University
of North Texas, she served as administrative intern, assistant principal,
and principal at Frankford MS over nine years. While there, she was
recognized with a Life Membership Award in 2006. In May 2012, Renee
Godi was named principal of Plano ISD Academy High School and the
inaugural staff was hired to create the unique curriculum. This past
August, she welcomed to the new school 260 eager ninth and tenth
graders Renee believes she has her dream job, developing a community
of learners and creating opportunities for them. She embraces the role
of lifelong learner; Renee participated in several learning experiences
and passes her learning on to other educators. She is a proud member
of Leadership Plano Class 26 and a Raise Your Hand Texas Harvard
Summer Institute Alumni. Renee lives with her husband, Raj, in Plano,
and enjoys the opportunity to work and live in the same community.
She enjoys spending time with her large extended family, cooking,
reading, sports, and traveling. The Academy High School PTSA is
pleased to recognize Mrs. Renee Godi with the Texas Extended Service
Award this year, in appreciation of her commitment to the Academy,
the Facilitators, and especially the Learners! Mrs. Godi is extremely
deserving of this Award and a true asset to the Plano Independent
School District and the Academy High School.
6
CLARK HIGH SCHOOL
Jan A. Moody
Jan A. Moody has been married for 42 years to Dr. Terry Moody who
is currently serving our soldiers in the Army hospital in Landstuhl,
Germany. They have two sons, Kyle and his wife Michelle, David and
his wife Renae. Their children have blessed them with five fabulous
granddaughters: Annie, Savannah, Delaney, Charlotte, and Mia who daily
add spice beyond belief to their lives. She has had the privilege and joy
of teaching elementary school and middle school for 20 years, and then
graduated to serving as a counselor at Clark High School … home of the
Cougars and the most amazing students, staff and parents! Her goal as
a counselor comes from a quote that she has in her office … and that
is “to aim for their hearts because they won’t care about how much I
know until they know how much I care”.
STINSON ELEMENTARY
Julie Richard
Julie Richard has been a PISD parent for 12 years. Her husband,
Jim, supports all of her volunteer efforts, as do her children; Jimmy,
a junior at PESH, Kyle, a sophomore at Williams High School and
Emma, a 5th grader at Stinson Elementary. She has held various PTA
positions including: Volunteer Chair, Parliamentarian, Auction CoChair, Membership Chair, After School Programs, President, Ways
and Means, Room Mom, Council Delegate and Socials Chair. Julie is
currently serving as Council Delegate at PESH, President at Williams
High School, and Ways and Means VP at Stinson Elementary. In addition,
she does volunteering with the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts and in the
neighborhood. Julie enjoys tennis, book club, movies, friends and family.
“
We cannot
always build the
future for our
youth, but we
can build our
youth for the
future.”
PLANO EAST SENIOR HIGH
Elaine Platt
Over the past 13 years, Elaine has been very active in her son’s school
PTA. It began when he was in Kindergarten and she was a Workroom
helper. The Volunteer Coordinator was looking for a Kindergarten
Grade Lead Parent. “It’s no big deal…only three holiday parties to
organize!” They failed to mention the Spring Carnival! Since then, she has
held several key positions in the PTA. Among them - Volunteer Chair,
Vice President, and President at Hickey Elementary; Secretary, Vice
President, and President at Bowman MS; Secretary and Parliamentarian
at Williams HS; and now at Plano East in her second year as Secretary.
She is also active in her son’s booster club at East. Elaine shares this
honor with her husband, Jon, and her son, Chris (12th grade).
7
Franklin Delano
Roosevelt
PLANO SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Steve Register
“
Every action in
Our PTSA President, Steve Register, leads by example and encourages
team effort. He always does what he says he will and way more! He
is organized, proactive, and deeply appreciative of even the smallest
efforts of others. The PSHS staff loves him! Steve is an OU grad and has
Masters from the Univ. of Utah and Webster Univ. He is twice retired
- 30 years as a U.S. Navy Captain (active and reserve) and 27 years at
AT&T. As soon as his daughter, Stephanie, started Kindergarten, he
rolled up his sleeves. At Skaggs Elementary, he was the Dad’s Club and
Parent Ed. Coordinators, classroom volunteer, helped with Muffins for
Moms and Donuts for Dads, and more. Through Rice MS, Jasper HS, and
Plano Senior—he was active as the School Store Coordinator, Ways and
Means VP, Candy Sales, School Supplies, Spirit Wear, Copy Dad, and
Library Volunteer. He was available to do anything asked of him. Outside
of the PTSA, he was the Girl Scout’s Cookie Sales Manager for three
years earning the “Outstanding Volunteer Award”. He also coached PSA
girls’ softball. Skaggs PTA honored him with a Texas PTA Life Member
Award in 2007. Steve is not big on being patted on the back. Instead, he
says, “Let’s just get the job done.” We hope Steve will never retire or
graduate from our volunteer ranks!
our lives touches
on some chord
that will vibrate
in eternity.”
Edwin Hubbel
Chapin
MITCHELL ELEMENTARY
Tracy Evans
Mitchell PTA is proud to present the Extended Service Award to our
wonderful Art Teacher, Tracy Evans. Mrs. Evans has been the Mitchell
Art Teacher for the past seven years. She always takes extra time to
make Art fun and educational. Tracy is always looking for creative
ways to bring art into the students’ everyday life. She brings fun and
energy into her classroom. Tracy began her career in Plano ISD as an
art education substitute at a variety of schools before realizing teaching
art was her passion and deciding to take on her own classroom. As
well as being a full-time art educator at Mitchell Elementary, she is the
Elementary Art Education Vertical Team Leader for the district. In
addition to these rolls, she has served as an officer for Plano Art Leaders,
the district’s local chapter of the Texas Art Education Association.
Currently, she is in her first year as the President of PAL (Plano Art
Leaders). Not only is Tracy a teacher but she is a former Plano ISD
parent with her youngest daughter graduating from Plano SHS last year.
While her children attended Weatherford Elementary, she was very
active in the PTA and served as President. Tracy’s ability to nurture the
students’ creativity and imagination gives them the necessary innovative
problem solving skills needed to succeed in the future and become great
leaders. Tracy shares her love of art with all her students as well as her
colleagues. Her leadership within Plano ISD has not gone unnoticed and
is greatly appreciated. Tracy was recently recognized with the Texas
Art Education Association’s Exemplary Art Educator! Tracy shares all of
these honors with her husband; son, Alec; and daughter, Marissa.
8
RENNER MIDDLE SCHOOL
Susie Learmont
Susie exemplifies the true meaning of a volunteer. She is extraordinarily
dedicated to all the schools her kids attended — Huffman, Renner,
Shepton and Plano West. In addition to her current position as Renner
PTA President, Susie has held many roles including treasurer, volunteer
coordinator, and Huffman PTA President among others. Susie is also
involved in leadership roles in both NCL and YMSL. She rarely says
“No”. When asked to take a job or do a task, she enthusiastically gets
it done. She is not afraid to step out of her comfort zone. Anyone that
has worked with her knows she’s 100% dedicated to our children and
in it with a caring and loving heart. Susie is an excellent role model for
both children and parents alike. We are proud to present her with
the Extended Service Award for her many years of dedication and
volunteering. Congratulations Susie!!
ROBINSON MIDDLE SCHOOL
Michele Carey-Dave’
Michele Carey-Dave’ has been endlessly devoted to our area PTA’s
for the past 12 years. At Daffron Elementary, Michele served in
the following positions: Lead Room Parent at every grade level,
Environmental Chair for seven years, KSE Coordinator for seven
years, VP Ways and Means for two years. She also spent countless
hours volunteering in the following areas: Art Room, Reading and
Math Mentor Programs, Book Fair, Field Day, Bike Rodeo, Jog-A-Thon,
Deputy Store, field trips, Colonial Day and so much more. She has
been a docent at the Heritage Farmstead Museum for eight years, an
endeavor she began because of her daughter’s third grade field trip.
One of Michele’s greatest contributions at Daffron was helping to
build the Discovery Garden. Michele and her KSE crew landscaped and
nurtured the Garden for seven years, spending countless hours weeding,
watering and gardening. While involved at Daffron, Michele was also
very involved with the Plano ISD Council of PTA’s and served two years
as Environmental Chair, two years as Community Liaison and two years
as VP of Programs. Michele has served on the Jasper Choir Board as
well as holding the position of Environmental Chair at Jasper HS for two
years. She spent the last few years at Robinson MS serving two years
as the VP of Membership and two years as the VP of Ways and Means.
Michele is currently finishing up her first year as President at Robinson
MS and serves as the Uniform Chair for the Plano West Choir. With
a supportive husband and three very active children, Michele manages
an extremely busy schedule, and rarely ever misses any of their games,
performances or activities. Michele is also a member of the Assistance
League of Greater Collin County. She works tirelessly in every area in
life, and does so with a huge smile and a big heart. She is an incredible
advocate for PTA. She not only looks out for the good of her family,
friends and faculty, but also always has the City of Plano close at heart.
Thank you, Michele, for your invaluable talents for so many years. We
are proud to honor Michele with the Texas PTA Extended Service
Award. Michele shares this honor with her husband, Amar, and her
three children; Gabrielle (17), Asher (14) and Talia (12).
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“
We all have a
responsibility
to volunteer
somewhere and
I’m lucky that I
get the education
and get taken
to places to see
what’s out there
and see what’s
happening and to
then be a part of
it in hopefully an
impactful way.”
Jennifer Garner
SHEPTON HIGH SCHOOL
Kim Brown
Kim has been a valuable PTA member at Barksdale, Renner, Shepton and
West. What stands out about Kim is how she goes about her work. She
takes on the “grunt work” of PTA like spirit wear and the school store.
They aren’t high-profile jobs, but the way she performs her tasks makes
her special. She is organized, efficient and always keeps the big picture in
mind – to make a profit so our PTA can fund our objectives for the year.
She not only attends Board meetings, but makes practical and insightful
contributions. You can always count on Kim for a reasonable guidance.
We are so lucky to have her on our team.
Suzy Charney
“
If you think you
are too small to
be effective, you
have never been
in bed with a
mosquito.”
Betty Reese
Suzy is always ready with a smile and helpful advice for the PTSA as
well as all Shepton families. In her work as Office Manager at Huffman,
Haggar, and Shepton, she has gone out of her way to support the
students, staff, and community. Her friendly, engaging personality makes
all who visit the office feel welcomed and valued. She knows it’s the
people that make the school, and she ensures that she has taken care
of everyone’s needs each day. Suzy is a valuable resource with her
knowledge of finance, and, with her years of dedicated service to the
Plano schools, people see her as the “go to” person on things large and
small. We are fortunate to have such a caring and dedicated person like
Suzy working in our school.
Jenny Wood
We can all agree that learning your way in a new school can be difficult.
Jenny was not just new to the area and PTA, but new to the country and
yet she made the jump from Hospitality chair to President at Barksdale
with just a year or so of PTA experience under her belt. She made our
crazy PTA a happy, fun place to be and was a great role model for many
of us who followed her. She has continued to serve at Renner, Shepton
and West, almost always as an officer and never without with her
trademark enthusiasm and humor. While I imagine Jenny would say that
PTA has given her much – many friendships and memories – I doubt that
she could ever receive as much as she has given. Jenny, we thank you for
your generosity and contribution to our children, schools and community.
PLANO WEST SENIOR HIGH
Kathy King
Kathy King started working for PISD in 1982. She has been a PE teacher,
coach, team leader, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal of Student
Services, High School Principal, and currently serves as the Principal
at Plano West Senior High. She has a Bachelor of Science in Education
from Baylor University, a Master of Science in Education from Baylor
University and her Certification of Public School Administration from
the University of North Texas. She earned the status of Career Ladder
Level III as a teacher and she was named Shepton HS “Teacher of the
Year” in 1987. She has also been awarded the honor of being a Metlife
Foundation Bridge Builder (2002), Texas PTA Honorary Life Member
10
(2005), TASSP Region 10 Principal of the Year (2010), and Texas School
Counselor Association Administrator of the Year (2011). She cares
deeply about her school and the community that it is in. She never
stops thinking about the whole picture and how everybody fits into
that picture. She epitomizes the qualities of a servant leader through
her compassion and dedication to ALL. She models how to care for
all members of the Blue Nation. The deep commitment for her staff,
parents, and students is why she is an extraordinary leader. She and her
husband, Jeff have been married for 27 years, and have two wonderful
daughters, Allison and Kate. Allison received a Bachelor and Master of
Science in Education from Baylor University, and is playing professional
volleyball in Sweden. Kate is a junior at Baylor University studying
marketing and public relations. Kathy is the daughter of Bobby and
Phadalia Benge. Her sister, Devlin Ready, is an elementary teacher.
Julie Myers
“
Julie Myers is the quiet leader all volunteers love to work with and serve
under. She always makes everyone feel comfortable and her positive
attitude radiates to everyone she meets. Julie supports all children in the
Plano schools and wants the PTAs she serves in to reach each child and
We cannot
enrich their educational experience. She has served as the PTA President
for Centennial Elementary and Renner MS, and is currently the President
live only for
of the Plano West SHS PTSA. Julie has served in many, many roles
at all four schools her three children have attended or are currently
ourselves. A
attending. A few jobs she has held besides president are treasurer,
thousand fibers
secretary, membership chair and parliamentarian. Julie has also served
for the past three years on the executive board of Young Men’s Service
connect us with
League, Plano Chapter, as both Treasurer and Secretary. Julie is also a
leader in National Charity League, Preston Bluebonnet Chapter. Julie is
our fellow men.”
very active in her church, Parkway Hills Baptist Church, helping with the
children’s and youth programs and women’s ministry activities. Julie and
Herman Melville
her husband, Ray, have three children: John Ross a junior at Plano West,
th
and twins, Drew and Brooke who are 8 graders at Renner.
Kathy Robbins
Kathy Robbins went to Texas Tech and is a CPA. She spent years
working in public accounting before giving her time and talents to the
PTA’s of every school her boys attended, beginning with her early days
volunteering at Bettye Haun Elementary. Currently she serves on Haun’s
School Based Improvement Committee and as Treasurer for Plano
West. She was also Treasurer at Jasper HS and Haun Elementary. Over
the years, Kathy has served as Historian, Parliamentarian, Secretary,
Teacher Treats Chair, and Hospitality Chair. Not to mention that she
helps at various school events whenever volunteers are needed. She has
also been very involved with her boys’ Boy Scout troops and her church.
She has been an incredible gift to everyone in her community because
of her generous and giving heart. You have never met a more reliable,
honest and thoughtful volunteer. She is married to Barry and has two
wonderful sons, Matthew and Tyler. Tyler is a freshman in college and
Matthew is a junior at West.
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Texas PTA
Life Membership
Award Honorees
For over 90 years, Texas PTA has made available the honorary Texas PTA Life
Membership award as one of the highest honors that may be presented to individuals
for outstanding service to children and youth. Presentations of life memberships are
made to publicly recognize those who have given of their time and ability in the interest
of young people in Texas. Over 2500 Life Memberships have been given to educators
and volunteers in the Plano ISD. On behalf of the Plano ISD Council of PTAs and its
local unit member PTAs we congratulate tonight’s honorees.
“
Too often we
underestimate
the power of a
touch, a smile,
a kind word,
a listening
ear, an honest
compliment, or
the smallest act
of caring, all of
which have the
potential to turn
a life around.”
Leo Buscaglia
Academy High School
Brad Bailey
While studying Economics at the University of Texas, Brad longed for a
more rewarding path in life than the prospects of industry. In reflecting
back on meaningful life experiences, Brad thought about an experience
he had while a junior at Klein Oak High School in the northern suburbs
of Houston where he had the opportunity to tutor a younger student
who had missed several weeks as a result of chemotherapy. That pivotal
memory drove Brad to enter the UT Liberal Arts secondary education
program. Upon graduating from UT, Brad moved to Dallas to teach at
Vines High School. At Vines, he worked with the PAL program and was
co-team leader of World Geography. In 2010, he received the NOVA
Award which recognizes outstanding teachers who contribute to the
advancement of social studies within the school and community. He
has been teaching in Plano ISD for the past six years and loves taking
on new challenges, which is what lead him to be involved in opening
the new Plano Academy High School last year. While working on the
World Geography curriculum writing team, he also served as a member
of the Academy Technology Committee. He helped assess the various
technology options for the new school and make decisions regarding the
implementation of the Canvas Learning Management System. Ultimately,
Brad helped take Canvas from a generic system into one that helps to
meet the unique needs of the Academy. Most recently, he has played a
large role in developing the new Student Management System, including
the new “Trust Level” system and schedule being implemented this
semester. Brad is a dedicated and enthusiastic individual, full of new
ideas, and always willing to take on a new challenge; he is an enormous
asset to the Academy. Outside of the Academy, he enjoys spending time
with his wife, Brianna, as well as working toward a graduate degree,
running marathons, shooting sports, playing Xbox, and training his Vizsla.
12
Angie Dickey
Angie is married to Eric Dickey and has two daughters Chloe, a 9th
grader at Academy High School, and Morgan, a 5th grader at Aldridge
Elementary. She is employed as a Non-Profit Fundraising Specialist and
Auction Logistics Specialist based in Dallas. She has always enjoyed
being involved in her community and Plano ISD, as she herself is a past
graduate of Plano East SHS. Over the years, she has held countless PTA
positions including Sage, Hospitality, Programs, Grade Level Coordinator,
Room Parent, and Auction Chair. Currently, she is in charge of Ways
and Means at Aldridge Elementary and is the Volunteer Chair at the
Academy High School. In addition to her PTA roles, she has also been
actively involved with the Plano Academy Partnership Alliance whose
mission is to “Build relationships and partnerships in the professional
community and beyond to enhance and enrich the Plano Academy High
School experience”. Within this group, she has been instrumental in
spearheading the Mentor Program at the Academy by working with the
staff to coordinate corporate and outside volunteers that provide project
feedback and evaluations for both the ninth and tenth grade students.
In addition, she has been involved in the start-up of Titan Talks by
coordinating and overseeing guest speakers that hold lunch seminars with
the students. We are so appreciative of all the time and effort she has
given and continues to give to the school and especially to the students,
and as you can see, she is very deserving of this Life Membership Award.
“
Those who
bring sunshine
to the lives of
Mark Kinney
Mark attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where he
graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Physics and Secondary
Education with a minor in Mathematics. He has taught all levels of
physics for the past seven years in Plano ISD, and helped develop a
Physics I course specifically for students whose strengths lay outside of
science and math. “What if…” is the driving force that keeps Mark going
in education and is what brought him to Academy High School. He was
excited to come to the Academy last year and to be involved in the
writing of the curriculum and start-up of the new school. In addition to
teaching Physics and Engineering at the Academy, he also oversees the
Robotics Club that many ninth and tenth graders are quite passionate
about. Mark is an asset to the Academy and very well respected by both
the Learners and his fellow Facilitators. Mark loves spending time with
his wife and three kids, who either work at or attend schools in PISD.
His hobbies include whatever sport or extracurricular activity his kids
are currently in, as well as camping with family and friends.
13
others cannot
keep it from
themselves.”
James Matthew
Barrie
PEARSON EARLY CHILDHOOD
Nelly Castillo
Nelly is currently serving her second year as our PTA VP of Ways &
Means. In the three years Nelly has been at Pearson ECS, she has been
active in numerous volunteer activities. She always has a positive outlook
and never hesitates to help when needed. Nelly shares this honor with
her husband, Juan; her son, JC; and her daughter, Layla.
Ann Gray
This is Ann’s seventh year working at Pearson ECS. Prior to her current
position as Secretary at Pearson ECS, she was the part-time secretary
at Thomas Elementary for four years. She was also a secretary for
four years part-time at Mendenhall Elementary. Ann has been an active
member with the PTA since 1987 when her son started school at
Christie Elementary. Ann has been married for 37 years, has two adult
children who attended Plano ISD, and has three grandchildren. Her
two granddaughters currently attend Hedgcoxe Elementary. One of
her granddaughters, along with her grandson, started their education
at Pearson ECS! In her spare time, she enjoys volunteer work with the
We make a living Texas Baptist Men and is also a volunteer crisis responder with the
Victim Relief Ministries. She has enjoyed volunteering her time through
by what we get, the years at several Plano ISD schools.
“
but we make a
life by what
we give.”
Winston
Churchill
ALDRIDGE ELEMENTARY
Jose Cruz
The “Go to Man”, Mr. Jose Cruz has served as the Aldridge Elementary
custodian for five years and has served Plano ISD for seven years. He
is the backbone of the school. Whether he is cleaning up a “mess”,
helping a teacher move, delivering boxes, or ensuring the cafeteria is in
tip top shape for the children, he does it with a smile. He meets every
task with a positive attitude and always puts students’ needs first. Mr.
Jose is also a proud parent of a Plano ISD student. His daughter, Liliana,
attends Vines H.S. and formerly attended Sigler E.S. and Wilson M.S. Not
only is he a great role model for his daughter, his character is admirable
for all of our students. His dedication and contribution to the Aldridge
community is valued by students, staff, and parents.
Shawnee Pittman
Shawnee Pittman has been an active board member and volunteer for
the Aldridge PTA for the past eight years. She has assisted in a variety
of roles with Ways & Means for fundraising, room parent, Field Day
organizer, Spirit Wear Chair, and more. Shawnee has put in hundreds
of hours helping, hosting, assisting, mentoring, and planning exciting
parties, carnival, or field day programs for the benefit of the children at
Aldridge. Often Shawnee is called upon last minute to help in a variety of
situations and she has always been ready to step up and volunteer with
a smile. Shawnee does all of this while cheering and coaching her three
children in all of their sports, staying involved in their different schools,
managing three adorable puppies, and fostering many new ones.
14
BETHANY ELEMENTARY
Courtney Bruhn
Courtney Bruhn has been an enthusiastic, committed, and caring
member of the Bethany PTA for the last six years and has served on the
Executive board as the Secretary and is currently President. She works
diligently to make sure that we do everything possible to enrich the lives
and education of the students because she is committed to enhancing
their opportunities. Courtney has encouraged many new volunteers
to step up and become involved. She makes everyone feel wanted and
needed and works to set an outstanding example of what a volunteer
should be. There is not an opportunity of service in Bethany that she has
not volunteered to assist with. Courtney is also active in the community
in BSA Cub Scout Pack 1113 serving as a Den Leader for the last five
years, is the Pack Committee Secretary, and is Chairperson for the Blue
& Gold Banquet. She also volunteers in other schools within Plano ISD
with lower parental involvement and sets an example of service that
others aspire to attain. Courtney is married to Todd and they have one
son, Cavitt, who is a 5th grader at Bethany. We are so pleased to show
our gratitude and respect to Courtney in this way, by honoring her with
this well-deserved Life Membership award.
“
What we
have done for
Debi Hanson
Debi Hanson is a dedicated, compassionate, and thoughtful educator
who truly exemplifies excellence in teaching. She is fulfilling a childhood
dream by being a teacher. During her 25 years in the teaching
profession, which she began in the Richardson ISD, she has taught in fifth
grade and has been an instructor at an orphanage in Africa. Debi will
tell you that being a Kindergarten teacher puts a smile on her face and
being in her classroom with her students every day makes her happy.
She has been the Kindergarten Team Leader for the last six years. She
has taught at Hedgecoxe, Matthews, and Bethany Elementary schools in
her years with the Plano ISD. She loves being a teacher! Debi has earned
the love and respect of many parents by starting their children on a
successful school career with love and a firm educational foundation.
We are so happy to honor Debi Hanson in this special way with a Life
Membership Award and would like to thank her for the continued love,
encouragement, and support she shows all of her students both present
and past. Debi shares this honor with her three adult children.
Brian Hinton
When you ask Bethany PTA members to describe Brian Hinton they
consistently answer the same way: “He’s a great Dad!” Brian’s 5th grade
twin boys are truly the center of his life. Though he is an avid runner
and athlete, competing in events year-round, he epitomizes the spirit of
volunteerism. Always supportive and helpful, he is Bethany’s at-the-lastmoment-go-to guy! Brian actively participates on the Board, acting as
Communications Chair for the past two years and updating our Marquee
for three years. He brought our board into the social media age via
Facebook and works hard to keep our parents up-to-date. In an era that
sees low numbers of fathers actively participating in PTA, Brian is the
kind of man who is at every class party, every PTA sponsored event, and
15
ourselves alone
dies with us;
what we have
done for others
and the world
remains and is
immortal.”
Albert Pike
every field trip. He is consistently in the building, and is recognized and
loved by large numbers of students. Truly an exceptional volunteer and
caring person, Brian is the ideal PTA volunteer; and Bethany will truly
miss him when his boys move to middle school next year.
Jacqueline Tomkinson
“
Even if it’s a
little thing, do
something for
those who have
need of a man’s
help, something
Jaci is one of those people who lights up any room she enters. With
an easy smile and wicked sense of humor, having Jaci involved with any
project is a game-changer. She has been part of PTA at each school her
children have attended, and currently has a 6th grader at Schimelfenig
MS and a 5th grader at Bethany Elementary. Though she works full-time
as a technical writer, Jaci makes time for her community and personal
passions. Jaci is an avid soccer player who coaches, plays, and volunteers
with the North Texas Women’s Soccer Association. In addition to
coaching adult and children’s soccer, she is currently volunteering for
the Soccer Board at PSA, coordinating the third grade league. With
Bethany’s PTA, Jaci coordinated last year’s outrageously successful
Carnival and is currently chairing this upcoming annual event. She is a
real go-to volunteer, helping to create and staff booths for multicultural
night, supporting & planning fifth grade graduation (two years running),
and always lending a crucial hand at grade-level parties. Proud to be
an “Original Texan,” native born to this state, she simply loves helping
out wherever she can. Jaci says that her favorite thing about Bethany is
simply the culture of the community—made up of the school and office
staff, principal, teachers, and the whole PTA crew.
for which you
get no pay but
BEVERLY ELEMENTARY
the privilege of
Cynthia has been involved in PTA at Beverly Elementary for the past nine
years and is currently serving as Hospitality Chair, a Room Parent, WalkA-Thon Chair, Library Volunteer and is a member of various committees.
She has served in a wide array of positions including the Multicultural
& Art Night Chair, 1st VP of Programs, fifth Grade Celebration
Coordinator, a Grade Level Coordinator twice, and as a Room Parent
for the past nine consecutive years. Cynthia is also involved at Hendrick
MS as the Hospitality Chair and volunteers regularly for their Supply Cart
and Socials. Outside of Beverly, she has volunteered as a catechist for
the past nine years at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Cynthia
also serves as the purchasing manager for her family business, Bricks &
Tile International, and is involved with the Laredo Builders Association.
She strongly supports her daughters and their extracurricular activities.
Cynthia enjoys traveling and is often found holding a camera since
photography is a passion of hers. Cynthia shares this award with her
husband, Lester, and two daughters, Victoria (8th grade) & Trinity (3rd
grade). She strongly believes in the importance of volunteering in the
community and staying involved in her daughters’ schools.
doing it.
For, remember,
you don’t live
in a world all
your own. Your
brothers are
here too.”
Albert
Schweitzer
Cynthia Flores-Harris
16
Juliann Jackse
Juliann Jackse has been at Beverly Elementary as a member of the Special
Education/Resource Department and of the PTA since 1999. She also
serves as the Assistant Manager for the PASAR program. During the
2000–2001 school years, Juliann was nominated for the Superintendent
Service Award. She has an outstanding devotion to Beverly PTA and to
the students of Beverly. Her PTA duties extend beyond Beverly. From
1998 through 2000, Juliann volunteered at Razor Elementary as Library
Coordinator, Hospitality Coordinator and as PTA VP of Programs. She
has also been a member of the PTA and Booster Club at Hendrick MS,
Clark HS and Plano East SHS. Juliann loves spending time with her family,
being outside, gardening and taking summer vacations to the beach!
She shares this award with her husband, John, sons, Paul and Ryan, and
daughters, Katey and Holli.
Michelle Landry
Michelle Landry has been a Beverly PTA member for eight years. She
is currently the Library Volunteer Coordinator, a Room Parent, a YO
packet volunteer, a Yearbook Photographer and Book Fair Coordinator.
When not at Beverly, Michelle is supporting Hendrick PTA in roles
including Library Coordinator and Copy Room volunteer. In addition,
she spends time chaperoning socials and band events. Prior to the 20132014 school year, Michelle served as Yearbook editor for four years,
Yearbook Photographer, YO Coordinator, Room Parent, library and
lunch duty volunteer and field trip chaperone. She has spent many hours
doing hallway work and baking for hospitality events. Michelle enjoys
photography, cake decorating, running and reading. She shares this
award with her husband, Gary, daughter, Emma, and son, Alex.
“
You give but little
when you give of
your possessions.
It is when you
give of yourself
that you truly
CARLISLE ELEMENTARY
Anne McCalpin
It is a great pleasure to honor Anne McCalpin for the PTA Life
Membership Award. She has been a dedicated teacher for 27 years.
Seventeen years have been dedicated to Carlisle Elementary. Not only
has she been committed to talented and gifted students, but she is also
committed to raising the bar for all students at Carlisle. Going to DI
tournaments with her students, tutoring students, mentoring students in
middle and high school, and being a resource to teachers, are examples
of the many activities Anne has done for students and teachers. She will
be deeply missed at Carlisle by students, parents and teachers when
she retires at the end of this school year. Anne is always willing to help
a fellow teacher. She is available to do an extra duty or tutoring with a
smile on her face. Each morning, she greets Carlisle students with a big
smile and a warm hug. What a great way to start a student’s day!
17
give.”
Kahlil Gibran
Heather McGee
“
Volunteering
is the ultimate
exercise in
democracy. You
vote in elections
once a year,
It is a great pleasure to honor Heather McGee with the PTA Life
Membership Award. Heather has worked with the Fifth Grade team
here at Carlisle for the last nine years and, before that, in third grade
at Carlisle and in Richardson. MS. McGee puts in long hours to give her
best to our students in creative and engaging ways in her classroom.
She also is the Fifth Grade Camp Director every year where she puts
in countless hours and energy to make sure that everything is in order
for our students to go to camp. Her responsibilities as director include
soliciting and then training cabin counselors, making sure all student
medical/emergency data is in order and properly signed, and assigning
students to cabins while trying to ensure that every student gets one
of their choice of friends in their cabin. Heather also runs the camp
meetings for students and parents and when at camp, Heather is the
one who takes care of all emergencies—even in the middle of the night.
Aside from these responsibilities, Heather is a “go-to” person that you
can always count on to jump right in and do what needs to be done at
our school. This includes PTA events, SBIC, various school committees,
as well as day to day needs in fifth grade. She also can often be seen
attending outside student events for both her current students and
former students. She goes to PSA events, SMS events, even the high
school football games here in Plano where former students are playing,
cheering, or just attending. She loves seeing them and hearing about
what they are doing. MS. McGee is supportive of her students, way
beyond their time in fifth grade. She so dedicated to her students and to
her profession. This award is a very meaningful honor for Heather and it
is truly well deserved.
Marianne Wegener
It is a great pleasure to honor Marianne Wegener for PTA Life
Membership Award. She has been an integral part of Carlisle Elementary
in the capacity of both mom and teacher. Years ago, soon after Carlisle
volunteer, you was opened, Marianne was an actively involved parent of two fine
Carlisle Coyotes. She volunteered many hours as a homeroom mom
vote every day as well as with various PTA activities. She then broadened her time at
Carlisle as a substitute teacher. Her phone rang most mornings as the
about the kind of
Carlisle teachers knew their children would be well cared for under her
community you leadership. Marianne then decided to return to full-time teaching and
was immediately hired here at Carlisle. Each year she has touched the
want to live in.” hearts of her students as well as those of her colleagues. She has worked
hard to maintain the integrity, high quality of education, and caring spirit
Author Unknown of Carlisle. She is an amazing friend to all and an asset to our school.
Her induction into the PTA Lifetime Membership roster is well-earned
as is the respect we each have for her. She has truly helped to make
Carlisle the success it is today.
but when you
18
CHRISTIE ELEMENTARY
Ben Dixon
Ben Dixon graduated in 2001 from Texas A&M with a B.S. in Agricultural
Science with an emphasis in Teaching. He has served as Christie PTA’s
Parliamentarian for the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 school years, and
been a PTA Member for over nine years. Ben is currently a fourth
grade Teacher at Christie Elementary and has diligently served as the
Assistant Team Lead and Team Lead of the fourth grade. Additionally,
Ben has served Christie’s Leadership Academy for the last two years
instilling leadership skills, performing various service projects, and truly
leading our youth by example. He is in the classroom trenches daily
and he consistently helps our students reach their full potential with
individualized instruction. He is an incredible asset to Christie PTA and
Christie Elementary and we are very fortunate to have him!
Kimberly Lewis
“
Kimberly Lewis graduated from Texas Woman’s University in 1997 with
a B.S. in Education. In 1998, she helped open Hightower Elementary
as a fourth grade Teacher. After two years, she went back to school
Nobody can do
and achieved her MLS from Texas Woman’s University in 2003. While
completing her school work, she continued to work at Hightower as a
everything, but
part-time Library Assistant and part-time Special Education Assistant.
She began working as a Library Media Specialist at Christie Elementary
everyone can do
in the 2002-2003 school year. Kim provides diverse learning to the
children at Christie Elementary and is always helpful when the PTA Book
something.”
Fair takes over the Library for two weeks. She makes a difference every
day by providing life skills and information to our students that they will Author Unknown
use their entire lives!
Nancy Sennetti
Nancy has been a PTA member and volunteer for the past six years,
including two years as President of the Christie Elementary PTA. This
year, Nancy continues her service as the Christie PTA Secretary and
Book Fair Chairperson. Over the past several years, she has served as
fundraising chair, campus Room Mom coordinator, grade level Room
Mom coordinator, Room Mom, SAGE campus Chairperson, Box Tops
coordinator, and Yearbook Editor. She has been a mentor at Christie
for three years and a library helper/volunteer for six years. Outside
of school and PTA responsibilities, Nancy also volunteers with Christ
Church of Plano, the Frisco Humane Society, Cub Scout Pack 254 and
Susan G. Komen. She has a BSN in Nursing from Baylor University and
enjoys working with the pediatric population. All this would not be
possible without the support of her husband, Jonathan, and their two
boys, Scott and Zach.
19
DAVIS ELEMENTARY
Debbi Bowen
“
No man stands
so straight as
when he stoops
to help a boy.”
Knights of
Pythagoras
Debbi Bowen is the Secretary at Davis Elementary School. Prior to
becoming the Secretary this year, Debbi worked for the Regional Day
School Program for the Deaf as a Teacher Assistant and Interpreter
at Davis, Vines, and Pearson. She also worked for a couple years in
Special Education at Thomas Elementary. She has been with PISD for 14
years. Debbi was nominated for the Superintendent’s Service Award in
2012. She is the proud parent of two children that both graduated from
PISD. Her son, Jared, graduated in 2007 from Plano East. He started at
Thomas Elementary in Kindergarten and then went on to Carpenter,
Clark, and PESH. He is currently employed at a surveying company. Her
daughter, Jessica started at a much earlier age with the Regional Day
School Program for the Deaf. She started with a Parent-Teacher advisor
at just a few months old. She attended Thomas, Davis, Carpenter,
Haggard, Vines, and Plano SHS; graduating in 2012. Jessica is currently
attending college and work as a substitute for PISD. We are a very
proud family of PISD and owe a lot to them. Debbi loves being a part
of an outstanding school that is so warm and inviting to staff, students,
parents, and the community. She plans on being with PISD for many
more years to come.
Sharon Christensen
Sharon has been involved in PTA since her fifth grader was in
kindergarten. She was elected to the VP of Programs early in her
involvement with PTA. Sharon has actively volunteered and assisted with
several book fairs, back to school events, classroom parties, student
assemblies, picnics, and carnivals. Sharon was Coordinator of the fifth
Grade Adventure Camp outing for Davis Elementary. Outside of Davis
Elementary, Sharon is an active volunteer with CASA of Collin County
and Hope’s Door, located in Plano. Sharon shares this award with her
husband, Chris, and Daughter, Jordan (5th grade).
Shelly Dutton
Shelly Dutton has taught Language Arts for 23 years. She previously
taught fourth grade in her hometown of Texarkana for 17 years where
she served as team leader and was recognized as Teacher of the Year.
This is her sixth year at Davis as a fifth grade Language Arts teacher. She
believes that establishing a positive rapport and humor with students
is the first step to achieving all of their goals. If you are looking for
someone to dress up or perform, she is the first in line. Former students
still share their memories of her silly performances and crazy costumes.
She has been married to Dan, her high school sweetheart, for 23 years
and is the proud mother of two boys – Jordan, who is 21 and Brendan,
who is racing toward the driving age of 16. She also has two girls with
four paws named Misty and Millie that come in handy when she needs to
outvote the men of the house.
20
Alissa Schutz
Alissa has been an active member of Davis’ PTA for the last five years. In
addition to co-chairing their book fair for two years, Alissa has assisted
with back-to-school events, class parties, carnivals, fall festivals, and fifth
grade graduation reception. When not foster parenting, Alissa substitute
teaches at Davis. Outside of Davis, Alissa volunteers with the children’s
choir and works in the nursery at church. She taught elementary school
for 14 years in Tennessee before moving to Plano. Alissa shares this
award with her husband, Chris, daughter, Eleanor (5th grade), and foster
baby (16 months old).
HARRINGTON ELEMENTARY
Krista Benson
As she went through school at Schimelpfenig, Hendrick, Clark, and the
IB Program at Plano East she had dreams. She would be an Oncologist,
a Curator, or a Marine Biologist! Then Krista began her B.A. at Texas
A&M and was to be a Psychologist! Her love of learning led het to
the Women’s Studies Program at Texas Women’s University. Krista’s
husband and she struggled with balancing their schooling, the care of
his father who was battling Alzheimer’s, and work. The bright point was
her substitute teaching. Ms. Benson’s days were exciting as she got to
know special education students at several fantastic Plano schools and
saw their growth in brief glimpses every few weeks. A principal hired
her as a paraprofessional in her school and guided her to an alternative
certification program. Special Education is exhilarating and charming.
Daily reminders of “go get a Kleenex” and “put your points on the
chart”, and dodging fingers that have been in noses are the rhythm
of her day. Data collection is never done and she dreams about IEP
paperwork over the Summer. After ten years as a Special Education
teacher at Harrington Elementary, Krista loves coming to work every
day just as much as she did the first day.
“
I am only one,
but I am one.
I cannot do
everything,
but I can do
something.
And I will not let
what I cannot do
interfere with
Melissa Woods
Melissa has been involved in Harrington Elementary’s PTA for four years.
She has served most recently as PTA President as well as Historian,
Yearbook chair, and Co-chair of the Fall Family Fun Fest. During
her presidency, Melissa has worked with great success at expanding
fundraising efforts in order to better support students, teachers, and
staff. Melissa has partnered and worked diligently with various teachers
and school personnel to grow school wide activities such as the Fall
Family Fun Fest, Donuts for Dads, Muffins for Moms, and Night at the
Museum. Melissa has worked tirelessly in encouraging others to find
an area to volunteer that fits both their abilities and time constraints.
During her presidency, Harrington’s PTA has seen a resurgence
in parental involvement as well as an increase in enthusiasm about
volunteering and fundraising. Her positive energy and her can-do attitude
when it comes to getting things done are appreciated by Harrington staff
and her PTA board as well! Melissa has been a volunteer for many years
in the Plano area. She joined the Junior League of Plano in 2001 and is
currently a sustaining member of the Junior League of Collin County. As
21
what I can do.”
Edward Everett
Hale
a member of the Junior League, she served as a docent at the Heritage
Farmstead Museum and she, volunteered at the Sci-Tech Discovery
Center, Turning Point Rape Crisis Center, Plano Literacy Center, and
Kids in the Kitchen. She also served as a chairman of several projects
and committees with the Junior League. Melissa has two sons that attend
Harrington Elementary and works as a Licensed Professional Counselor
in the Plano area. She is an active member at Custer Road UMC where
she has served on the Children’s Council for three years, directed
Vacation Bible School and is involved in Children’s Choir and Mission
Possible Kids. If Melissa isn’t at work or trying to get in a few hours of
sleep at night…and the lights are on at Harrington Elementary...you will
find her there, giving so graciously of her time and talents. The PTA
board is so thankful to have such a great leader!
“
Help one
another;
there’s no time
like the present
and no present
like the time.”
James Durst
HEDGCOXE ELEMENTARY
Amy Robbins
If you are lucky, all of the teachers at your school are committed to
the students and support the PTA. There are those rare few, however,
who give so much more. Amy Robbins is one of many of the beloved
teachers at Hedgcoxe. She makes sure that she is at the picnics and
carnivals. Amy has been teaching at Hedgcoxe for 15 years and dedicates
much of her time to the school. She is available to lend a helping hand
and is always thankful for the PTA’s efforts to help. Amy, along with her
colleagues, spent three days in the rain at fifth Grade camp this year!
This award is our way of saying thank you.
Lori Ruml
Lori Ruml has been a Hedgcoxe PTA member for seven years and has
five more to go. She is known mostly for keeping our school beautiful
because her artwork can be found throughout the building. Lori has
done everything from hand painted scenes to bulletin boards. She is
always there to lend a helping hand no matter what the project whether
it be organizing the workroom or face painting at the carnival. Lori has
chaired many committees and been on all of them.
Lari Wise
Lari Wise has been at Hedgcoxe for the past ten years and has a passion
for children and the school. She is always there to make sure that every
base is covered so that the events are special for the children and school
community. There is truly no event in which Lari has not been involved
in one way or another. She has raised funds through the school auction
and enhanced the monthly teacher lunches. Lari has been a room parent
and grade level coordinator for years. We will be sad to see Lari leave
Hedgcoxe because she has been such a great presence in the school for
many years.
22
HUGHSTON ELEMENTARY
Glenda Copeland
Glenda Copeland has been a member of the Hughston Elementary PTA
for ten years. Glenda has held varying positions within the PTA such as
room parent, school supply coordinator, silent auction chair, historian
and 1st VP of Programs. Glenda is a dedicated volunteer at Hughston.
Glenda is always ready to step up and help where needed. She has been
active each year of membership at Hughston. Glenda shares this honor
with her husband, Richard and her son Paul (5th grade) and Elyza (10th).
Julia Flores
Julia Flores has been a member of the Hughston Elementary PTA for
six years, where she also teaches first grade. In addition to teaching,
Julia serves as a Faculty Council Representative and on the textbook
selection committee. Julia makes learning fun and has gone over and
beyond as a team lead. Julia is great at meeting the needs of all students.
Julia volunteers for her local sorority as a board adviser and tutors
children. Julia attends PTA events and encourages others to attend and
participate. Julia shares this honor with her husband Anthony.
Carrie Merritt
“
Being good is
commendable,
Carrie Merritt has been a member of the Hughston Elementary PTA
for four years. Carrie has 25 years of experience with five years of
but only when it
experience with Lewisville ISD and 20 years of service in Plano ISD.
She has held positions of classroom teacher, team leader, instructional\
is combined with
reading specialist, assistance principal and principal. Carrie encourages
doing good
all students to make their own choices and decisions rather than just
telling them what to do. Carrie promotes learning opportunities while
is it useful.”
providing and promoting positive reinforcement. Carrie is always looking
for areas that the staff can offer assistance and support to the students
Author Unknown
and their families. Her effort to learn the names of each student and
their family stories by having lunch with them in the cafeteria or taking
the time to talk with them in hall is greatly appreciated. Carrie attends
and supports all PTA meetings and events. Carrie appreciates and
supports PTA enrichment programs such as Art night, Art to Remember,
Inclusion Awareness day, Planetarium day and many other events that
support the school community. Carrie shares this honor with Neil and
their six children – Sara, Robin, Marisa, Kristen, Dana and Rachel.
Anne-Marie Vetal
Anne-Marie Vetal has been a member of the PTA for seven years. She has
served the school as a room parent, spring fling coordinator, workroom
and field trip parent, Parliamentarian, 2nd VP of Communications and
has been involved in 5th grade activities. In addition to volunteering at
Hughston, Anne-Marie has been involved with both the cub and girl
scouts and church youth groups. Anne-Marie also managed a Hughston
Destination Imagination team for four years, taking the team all the way
to Global Finals in 2013. Anne-Marie shares this honor with her husband
Alan, and her daughter Delaney (5th) and son Zachary (6th).
23
MATHEWS ELEMENTARY
Tammie Booth
“
With a demanding job as an excuse, Tammie Booth could easily have
said no. Instead, she said yes when PTA came calling. As Newsletter
and Communications Chair, Tammie made the weekly-emailed Maverick
Express, the go-to document for school info. She created about 100
editions of the newsletter and special emails over four years. The
newsletter won the Texas PTA Gold Award last year. Tammie even
recruited husband, Casey, to create a terrific new Mathews website.
Tammie also volunteered for Junior Achievement, Field Day, cafeteria
duty and many other jobs during her six years in PTA. Tammie’s quick
wit, great sense of humor, and exceptional organizational skills have
benefited Mathews in many ways. She also serves as team manager
for son Jackson’s (5th grade) club soccer team. Tammie is honored
to receive this award because she says it demonstrates that working
parents can still contribute and make a difference at school even if they
can’t be there on a regular basis.
Julie Coon
Julie Coon is leaving a lasting mark on Mathews Elementary. As a nineyear PTA member, she has been President, Historian, Lead Room Rep
and maybe the Coordinator and served many other critical roles. Julie’s strong leadership
and willingness to pioneer new ideas and programs will be her legacy at
most meaningful Mathews. She single-handedly spearheaded efforts to bring membership
and volunteering details online. She championed Bedtime Story night and
definition of
encouraged field trips. Julie is also active in National Charity League and
has served on the Zeta Tau Alpha House Corporation Board at SMU for
volunteering:
more than a decade. For 15 years, Julie volunteered as a photographer
Doing more
on Kidd’s Kids trips and captured the joy of terminally and chronically
ill children and their families on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation to Disney
than you have to World. Julie credits her husband, Greg, and children, Sydney (8th grade),
and Brenden (5th grader) with being supportive and understanding and
because you want allowing her to give so much of her time and energy to PTA.
The broadest,
to, in a cause you
consider good.”
Ivan Scheier
Laura Glaister
After eleven years as an active PTA member at Mathews Elementary,
Laura Glaister could have taken a break this year. Instead, she took
on the task of creating the weekly online newsletter, Maverick Express,
despite having a full time job. Mathews has benefited greatly from
Laura’s many talents. She has shown her creativity in the newsletter
for four years—first on paper, now online. Her attention to detail
was on display while putting the directory together and serving as
chairs for Health and Safety and Arts in Education. Her meticulous
accounting work as Treasurer for two years was impactful to PTA.
Laura’s thoughtful, intelligent insight is a valuable asset to Mathews and
to her friends and colleagues. She also volunteers with PSHS FFA and
is an award-winning triathlete. Laura says she shares this award with
Meredith (junior at PSHS), Caroline (9th grade, Clark), and Jeremy, (5th
grade, Mathews), who at times asked “Are you volunteering again?”
24
Jill Orsini
Jill Orsini is an unconventional PTA member and that has been a very
good thing for Mathews Elementary. This California girl says her kids
inspired her to get involved. She took on the most intimidating jobs
including Carnival chair—twice --and always pitched in with humor and
style. She spent countless hours creating Mathews first online auction
that brought in thousands of dollars. She encouraged others who were
skeptical of PTA to get involved and convinced them to join the fun. A
PTA member for a decade, Jill has also coordinated Field Day and served
as VP of Programs and Ways and Means. She was fundraising/marketing
chair for Plano Jr. Wildcat Lacrosse and she volunteers at Art Centre
Theatre. Jill shares this award with husband, Tino, and children, Isabella,
(9th grade, Clark), and Roman (5th grade, Mathews), and also all her PTA
peeps that made meetings and volunteer work so much more fun.
Nicole Ubl
Nicole Ubl (Hard work) X (creative energy) = Nicole Ubl’s formula for
success. This former high school math teacher was Membership Chair
for two years and also served as Secretary, but it’s her fantastic attitude
and willingness to pitch in wherever needed that make Nicole so special
to Mathews Elementary. You will often find her in the workroom,
cafeteria, office or classroom. Her talent for baking for school events
is legendary. An eight-year PTA member, Nicole puts her heart into
everything she does. She also helps at VBS and bakes cookies for Austin
Street Center. Nicole credits her mother, Barbara Lieb, with being her
role model. Mrs. Lieb still volunteers at the junior high school Nicole
attended. Nicole feels blessed to work with other Mathews volunteers
and to be a part of her kids’ lives at school. Nicole’s family includes
husband, Mark; and children, Ryan (7th grade), Ashley (5th grade), and
Kyle (1st grade).
Jenny Van Cleve
Mathews Elementary is lucky Jenny Van Cleve has three children that
have kept her active in PTA at the school for twelve years. Her quiet,
calm spirit is an inspiration to those around her. Jenny loves to take
on new challenges and is not afraid to tackle tough jobs like Carnival
and Auction Chair. She has a knack for making everything look easy.
Her creative side has shined in her award-winning PTA scrapbooks
and as Yearbook Chair. She has coordinated Field Day and played a
role at just about every Mathews event. Jenny has also volunteered
her time and talents to Young Men’s Service League and Chase Oaks
Church. She shares this award with husband, Tim, and children: Brock,
an OU freshman; Brooke (7th grade, Schimelpfenig) and Blake (5th grade,
Mathews). Jenny says she appreciates all the teachers and other PTA
members she has had the opportunity to work with over all these years.
25
“
Unless someone
like you cares a
whole awful lot,
nothing is going
to get better.
It’s not.”
Dr. Seuss
RASOR ELEMENTARY
Lisa Kotas
Lisa has been active with our Rasor PTA for over six years. She is the
current Treasurer and has served on various committees. Not only
does she serve on committees, she helps everyone else with their
committee work. She is a doctor, a wife, a mother of three boys, and
still has time to devote to our school. She is loved by the staff. She is
seen as someone who is creative, not afraid to tackle hard jobs and a
friend to all. I have never heard her say a bad word about anyone. She
seems to find the good in all of us. Her willingness to help every chance
she gets, makes her invaluable. We are lucky to have her in our Rasor
community/family.
Rebecca Schaefer
“
Act as if what
you do makes a
difference.
It does.”
William James
Becca is our Art teacher at Rasor. Not only does she see and teach
every student, she is loved by every student. She goes out of her way to
help others. She uses her own time to schedule Reflections workshops
for the students to participate in the PTA Reflections contest. She has
helped our PTA with the annual Art Night and brings art students from
North Texas State University to participate and have a chance to work
with children. She is active in her state organization and has presented
art information at the district, state and national levels. She is usually
the first person at school in the mornings and never says “No” to any
request. Our PTA is lucky to have a staff member like Becca teaching
and loving our children.
SAIGLING ELEMENTARY
Dan Bramschreiber
Born in Menominee, Michigan, Dan Bramschreiber has been a Transplant
Texan since 1996. In Plano, he found a special community that made him
feel at home with a small town atmosphere. While his first child attended
Saigling Elementary, a program called Literacy Links, organized by Jennifer
Howe, caught the new father’s attention. It recalled a point in his young
life where education took a turn for the positive. Each week, a group of
talented readers were gathered to read and share stories for half of a
class period, and Dan was invited to join in the third Grade. While not
one of the best readers in the group, it challenged him to get better and
enjoy reading, while gaining confidence and competence. That half-hour
each week had a lasting effect on his educational experience and direction.
The Literacy Links program offered Dan a chance to pay it forward to
another generation of children, just as he had been gifted. Now having
his second daughter nearly through Saigling and one more coming in the
next couple of years, Dan considers it a blessing to be called upon each
year to provide a positive touch to several children’s lives.
Fawna Cameron
Fawna Cameron was born in Kansas City, Missouri. She grew up in a
small town east of Kansas City called Richmond. Ms. Cameron moved to
Dallas in 2000 to open a branch office for the company she was working
for at the time. Fawna met Dean in 2001, and were married in 2004!
26
They are getting ready to celebrate their 10-year anniversary this April.
She has been blessed with three amazing kids: Troy 15, Jack 9 and Olivia
6. Oh, Fawna can’t forget their one dog and two turtles. Her oldest son
started Saigling Elementary as a Kindergartner, so she has been a part of
the Saigling family for nine years. She worked as a Senior Underwriter
for HCC Life Insurance Company for 12 years. When her youngest
was born they decided it would be best for her to stay home with the
kids. By far, the hardest, but most rewarding job she has ever done! She
currently serves on the Board as the Recording Secretary, and fills the
chair of after school program coordinator. In the past Fawna has served
as the 2nd VP of Programs and Multi Culture Chair. In her spare time she
enjoys running, cooking, baking and watching football. She’s a die-hard
Kansas City Chiefs fan. Ms. Cameron has been telling herself for as long
as she can remember (and again this season), maybe next year. Her
biggest enjoyment is watching her kids participate in their activities and
relaxing at the beach with her family.
Angela Hyte
Angela says, “I was talked into the Treasurer role two years ago,
and believe it will be the toughest job I will ever have at Saigling. But,
I wouldn’t change a thing. I have grown so much as a person, and
have enjoyed being a part of my children’s school in an ongoing and
meaningful way. The job our teachers and administrators do is thankless
and they need all the help and support we can give them. I will have
children at Saigling for a total of 12 years, and look forward to being
a part of PTA for most of it. I am a single mom of Ava (4th grade) and
Liam (preschool), but find the time invested in my children’s school to
be worth the effort. The fact that my daughter sees me at school and
thanks me for being involved is motivation enough!”
Becky Oliveri
Becky was born in Champaign, Illinois and grew up in LaGrange, a suburb
of Chicago. She moved to Dallas when she was 16 and graduated from
JJ Pearce High School. She went on to attend Texas A&M where she
met her wonderful husband, Michael. Becky began her teaching career
in Klein ISD. For five years, she taught second grade at Greenwood
Forest Elementary. Then in 1984, she moved to Plano and our Saigling
Neighborhood. She got to experience first-hand what an amazing PTA
Saigling has as she became an active parent volunteer. All three of
Becky’s daughters attended Saigling. Mrs. Oliveri returned to teaching in
1997 as a Special Education assistant at Davis Elementary. 1998 brought
her the opportunity to return “home” as she joined the Saigling PPCD
team. Fall 2001 to present she has taught Kindergarten. Mrs. Oliveri
enjoys spending time with her family, riding her bike, and reading.
Karma Travis
Karma was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and moved to Plano in 1984. She is
a 1988 graduate of Plano East, along with her husband, Greg. She holds a
B.A. in Business in Journalism from the University of Central Oklahoma
and an M.A. in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma.
Together, Greg and Karma have Chelsea, 21 (TWU Senior); Abby, 15
(10th grade); and Nick, 10 (5th grade). They have enjoyed being involved
27
“
The purpose of
life is not to be
happy - but to
matter, to be
productive, to be
useful, to have
it make some
difference that
you have lived
at all.”
Leo Rosten
for the last 15 years in the Saigling Community through the feeder
schools’ PTA programs, Pack 18 (five years), Dad’s Crew/Club, Troop
1635 (six years), and will miss being a part of this dynamic community.
Karma says, “The Saigling staff provides the best education and most
creative environment a parent could wish for their children.” She feels
blessed to continue teaching in Journalism and English at the senior high
schools, when available. She enjoys swimming and training for triathlons
in the springtime, reading and traveling with her family.
SHEPARD ELEMENTARY
Rodney Belcher
Rodney is a graduate of North Texas. His career includes coaching at
Rio Grande High School in New Mexico, Albuquerque University and
Baylor University before coming to Plano. Rodney came to PISD in
August of 2006. His children, Rodney, Jr. (9th grade, Vines) and Taliah
(7th grade, Wilson) were both students at Shepard Elementary. Rodney
teaches physical education at Shepard in the afternoon, and is the
Assistant Varsity girls’ basketball coach at Plano Senior High. Rodney
How wonderful is an advocate for youth sports and is passionate about getting kids
involved and active. He sees beyond the “athlete” to the whole child,
it is that nobody and is invested in their integrity and character development. He is the
personification of positive coaching and the kind of teacher/coach that
need wait a
all parents want their child to have. Whether it is in the role of parent,
teacher, coach, or colleague, Rodney always approaches each role with
single moment a positive attitude. He has the greatest respect from all of the staff at
before starting to Shepard because of his genuine love for his job and his willingness to
help in whatever way he can.
“
improve
the world.”
Anne Frank
Joy Friend
Joy Friend has been a vital member of Shepard Elementary’s PTA for
seven years. She has been Parliamentarian, Teacher Aid Coordinator,
and VP of Ways and Means as well as serving on various committees.
Currently, Joy serves as Treasurer at Shepard Elementary and Wilson
MS. (Yes, that means two auctions a school year!) Joy enjoys and excels
at this important role in part because she is also employed as a Certified
Public Accountant having a degree in accounting from University of
Arizona. Joy serves with enthusiasm and says that she loves to contribute
to both schools not only because her children, Zach (6th grade, Wilson)
and Rachel (4th grade, Shepard), benefit; but also because it benefits all
children and families that attend our schools. Joy and her husband Scott
have enjoyed 19 years of marriage and both children started at Shepard
in kindergarten. She says that she will most likely remain involved in PTA
for the rest of her children’s school years just as former Shepard PTA
lifetime members Liz Rador, Carrie Goodman and Janet Kinard have.
We have been very fortunate to have her in our PTA and she is most
deserving of Lifetime Membership because she embodies professionalism
and a willingness to serve that encourages everyone around her.
28
Stacey Riley
Stacey has been an active member of the PTA since the moment her
oldest child started kindergarten at Shepard almost six years ago.
Stacey and her husband, Mart, have two children at Shepard, Emma (5th
grade) and Ben (2nd grade). She has been a room parent for both of her
children, PISD council delegate (two years), teacher aide coordinator
(two years), Shepard PTA president (two years), and currently serves as
library coordinator, hospitality co-chairperson, fifth grade room parent
and second grade coordinator. She has also served on nominating and
audit committees. Stacey is hard-working, extremely organized and has
been such an asset to the Shepard PTA. When she is not volunteering at
Shepard, Stacey loves supporting her children on the soccer and baseball
fields and the basketball court. She is most deserving of this PTA Life
Membership Award.
SIGLER ELEMENTARY
Dellmy Cabrera
Growing up in sunny California and moving to Plano Texas was a big
change for Dellmy Cabrera and her family. Her second year in Plano
she joined PTA. And the third year she joined the Sigler family as our
Parent Liaison. As a mother of three school age kids, she understands
the importance of parent involvement in education and strives to help
parents understand. She assists our parents and provides them valuable
community resources.
“
If you want to
touch the past,
touch a rock.
If you want
to touch the
Angel Rivera
Mr. Rivera has been at Sigler for 13 years. Mr. Rivera has served Sigler
Elementary in various roles. He plays an essential role in maintaining
the inside and outside of our entire building and protects the health and
welfare of our students. Mr. Rivera arrives at 6am every day to make
sure our building is sparkling, coffee is brewing for the staff and the
cafeteria is ready for our students to have breakfast at 7am. Mr. Rivera
has often helped our staff members with different projects they have at
home. We are proud to have a kind and generous man, such as Angel
Rivera, working alongside us at Sigler Elementary.
present, touch
a flower. If you
want to touch
the future,
touch a life.”
Author Unknown
29
THOMAS ELEMENTARY
Christine Slote
This is Christine’s fourteenth year volunteering for a parent teacher
group. She started way, way, back when it was called a PTO at Thomas
Elementary. She is currently serving as the PTA Treasurer at both
Thomas Elementary and Pearson Early Childhood schools, and is also
the council delegate at Carlisle Elementary. Over the years, she has
held many other PTO/PTA positions and has also volunteered her time
at Hendrick Middle, Clark High, and Plano East Senior High schools. In
her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors and loves gardening. Christine
shares this honor with her husband Andy, her daughter, Claire (college
freshman), and her son, Cameron (5th grade).
Glynda Welch
Glynda Welch loves being the library teacher at Thomas. Helping
students find information, pick out just the right books, and fall in love
with reading brings her joy throughout the school year. Prior to her
work in the library, she taught third through fifth grade at Thomas and
other Plano ISD schools. That experience helps her find ways to help
Kindness is the grade level teachers utilize library resources to enhance the curriculum.
She is also the Student Council Sponsor at Thomas. After several years
language which of participating as a PTA member at Thomas, helping with book fairs and
festivals and attending family movie nights, Mrs. Welch was elected as
the deaf can hear VP of Programs for the 2013-2014 school year. When the President’s
position was not filled at the beginning of the school year, she stepped
and the
up to be acting president to kick off the school year. In addition to
blind can see.” Thomas events and PTA activities, Mrs. Welch and her husband, Charles,
are active members of the governing committee for the Cub Scout Pack
235. She loves reading, writing, and attending movies or plays.
Mark Twain
“
WEATHERFORD ELEMENTARY
Dianna Haun
Weatherford Elementary PTA is delighted to award Dianna Haun a
lifetime PTA membership. She has been an active participant in PTA for
16 years. Dianna has volunteered at Skaggs and Wyatt Elementaries,
Rice MS, Jasper HS, and Plano SHS. Four years ago, she began mentoring
Weatherford students. Dianna has continued to generously donate
her time and financial support to the students, staff and families of
Weatherford. She has provided and served numerous meals to the
staff, decorated the school for the holidays,and donated many items to
Weatherford families. Her family includes her husband, Mark, and her
three children, MaKenzie, Taylor and Madison.
Dinah Porchia
Dinah Porchia has worked at Weatherford for 12 years as our speech
language pathologist. Every day she comes in ready to teach and learn.
Ms. Porchia has been on the PTA Board for several years and has
collaborated in many PTA and school events. She volunteers her time to
help others and our community has benefited from her passion, effort,
30
and determination to increase parent support and involvement in our
school. Dinah is a role model. She is part of our PTA as a staff member
as well as a parent and wears both hats very well. Dinah understands the
amount of work that a school PTA takes and contributes ideas to help
the students, staff and community join forces to improve every year.
Robin Potyraj
Robin Potyraj graduated from UNT with a degree in Hospitality and
after several years of restaurant management and hotel sales, she
decided to retire in order be a stay-at-home mother. Three of her
children are currently at Weatherford Elementary and her oldest will
graduate from Plano SHS this year. Robin has been volunteering with
the PTA for 10 years and has covered the whole realm of volunteer
positions from staff luncheons to serving as our PTA president last year.
Kristin Wright
Kristin has taught at Weatherford Elementary for 14 years in second
grade. She was assistant team leader in second grade for five years as
well as Weatherford Teacher Of The Year in 2010. Kristin has always
been a cheerleader for her students at Weatherford. She is an advocate
for the students and their parents. Mrs. Wright runs a clothing drive
to help those who are in need. In addition, she helps fifth graders with
their camp needs by donating sleeping bags, duffle bags, toiletries, shoes
and jackets. Kristin’s dedication goes beyond the classroom. Parents and
students will come back to Mrs. Wright year after year for her love and
support. Kristin shares this award with her lovely family.
“
How far that
little candle
throws his
beams!
So shines a good
deed in a naughty
WELLS ELEMENTARY
Stacy Lawrence
Stacy Lawrence has been at Wells Elementary for the past six years.
Before she became the Instructional Specialist last year, Stacy was the
first grade Team Leader. Mrs. Lawrence has taught for 20 years, seven
in Minnesota and 13 in PISD. She has been a teacher member of the
PTA for 13 years. In her current position, Stacy has the opportunity to
impact teachers, students and parents across the school. She helps to
coordinate the first and second grade Book Buddies Volunteer Program
and the annual “Milk and Bookies” Family Reading Night. In addition to
working with students with dyslexia, Mrs. Lawrence also works with
those students who need academic intervention and assists teachers
with instructional strategies and curriculum support. She has a passion
for meeting students’ academic needs in a caring and positive way. This
year Stacy began to dress up as the fairy, “ThinkerBell,” who appears
on the morning announcements and makes classroom visits to reinforce
academic vocabulary across the school. Her goal is to make a positive
impact on as many students as possible and encourage teachers to do the
same. Stacy and her husband are also Plano ISD parents and Andrews PTA
Members with two of their three children attending Andrews Elementary.
31
world.”
William
Shakespeare,
Merchant
of Venice
Ann Marshall
Ann is currently the Grade Level Coordinator at Wells Elementary for
fourth grade having previously served as Grade Level Coordinator for
first grade and as a Kindergarten room mom. She has also worked as
the Box Tops for Education chair. A fixture” at Wells, Ann has been a
VIP parent for the past 10 years helping to complete projects at school
and at home. Over the last decade, she has tirelessly supported special
committees and events including the Nominating Committee, Audit
Committee, Carnival Committee and Graduation Committee. Ann has
served as a home baker, library volunteer and Science Fair judge. She
has also helped deliver the canned food collected during food drives,
volunteered during Red Ribbon Week, chaperoned field trips and
worked with the communication folder team. In addition to supporting
Wells, Ann has worked at the Haggard MS store for the past four years
and is a speech team volunteer and Band Booster at Vines HS.
“
Christie Patterson
Christie Patterson has been active in various PTAs since 2003, including
Christie Elementary, Schimelpfenig MS and FUMC Weekday School.
The smallest act She has held many roles throughout her PTA career from Room Mom
to Webmaster, K.I.C Host and President to Chaperone Extraordinaire.
Christie has been at Wells for eight years. During this time, she has
of kindness is
continued to take on PTA leadership positions. Christie has filled the roles
worth more than of 1st VP of Programs, Parliamentarian, Historian and Council Delegate
on the PTA Board. In addition, she has been a Kindergarten Coordinator,
the grandest
Room Mom, Book Buddy, Library Volunteer, Book Fair Volunteer, Clay
Helper, Multi-Cultural Night Country Host and most recently a Spelling
intention.”
Bee Pronouncer. Christie loves photography and has taken many, many
photos for the yearbook and Wells PTA scrapbook during her tenure.
Oscar Wilde
Outside of her PTA responsibilities, she has co-led her daughter’s Girl
Scout troop for four years and has taught Sunday School off and on for
more than 20 years. Christie’s love of children and her desire to be
active in her own children’s lives drives her passion for volunteering.
Michelle Trevino
Michelle has been a PTA member since August 2005. She started off
her volunteer path as a room mom (her favorite position - finding a
way to do it every year). She has also served as a Grade Level Room
Parent Coordinator for various grades as her children moved through
the school. Michelle’s first board position was as Membership chair, a
newly added board position at the time. She coordinated with the ESL
teacher to establish the Multicultural Chair position followed by the 1st
VP of Programs and is currently in her second year as President at the
elementary level. While holding her board positions, Michelle chaired
ways and means activities, a book fair, a carnival and volunteered for
school events. Michelle’s volunteering spirit doesn’t stop at Wells. At
Haggard Middle School, she also holds the position of Safety Chair
and volunteers with various events. Michelle enjoys volunteering while
juggling her PRN Occupational Therapy position at LifeCare Hospital of
Plano and her family schedule with her daughter, Emily (4th grade) and
her two sons, Mateo (7th grade) and John Michael (9th grade), while being
cheered on by her husband, Mike.
32
CARPENTER MIDDLE SCHOOL
Shellye Thomas
Texas PTA Life Member Honoree Shellye Thomas has spent six years
in PTA and has served on the PTA boards of Thomas Elementary as
the Newsletter Editor and Carpenter MS as Communications and
Newsletter Editor followed by two years as President. She has enjoyed
working with the PTA immensely and is extremely thankful for such a
wonderful, talented and dedicated board. Shellye has been married for
17 years and has two 8th graders at Carpenter MS. She grew up in the
area and is a graduate of Allen HS. Shellye attended West Texas A&M
in Canyon, Texas, majoring in Vocal Music Education with a minor
in Theater. She also studied multimedia and graphic design at Collin
County College in Plano, Texas. Shellye currently tutors English as a
Second Language and Accent Reduction to adults from all countries,
helping them not only with English but culture and assimilation. Shellye
also works as a freelance graphic designer.
Carmen Wilson
Texas PTA Life Member Honoree Carmen Wilson was born and raised
in St. Louis, Missouri. She is a proud mother of three and has been
happily married for over 25 years. She is a graduate of Northwest High
School and the University of Central Missouri. She received a Bachelor
of Science degree in Public Relations and Marketing. After college, she
worked in customer service and management with companies such
as the Marriott Corporation, Hallmark Cards, Fidelity Life Insurance
and American Century Investment. After a short stay in Quincy,
Illinois, Carmen moved to Plano, Texas. Once she was settled in Plano,
Carmen opened her own child care business, Safehavens Home Child
Care Center, overseeing all aspects of day to day operations, including
budgeting, curriculum development and planning. After thirteen years
in business, Carmen began her career with Plano ISD six years ago.
She has held several positions with PISD all at Carpenter MS. She
began as a substitute teacher in the Special Education department.
For the last three years, Carmen has been the Office Manager. She is
the true definition of a strong, independent, confident, loving, “feisty”,
considerate, compassionate and devoted woman. Carmen has never met
a stranger and always leaves the people she encounters feeling uplifted
and positive. She inspires all of those around her, especially the students,
to be better and to do better. She has a gentle but direct way of guiding
all aspects of her life. We are all the better because we share a part of
her world. Carmen takes great pride in her work and looks forward to
seeing the students at Carpenter and knowing that she is a part of their
overall development to become positive, outstanding members of their
families and community.
33
“
The only people
with whom you
should try to get
even are those
who have
helped you.”
John E. Southard
HAGGARD MIDDLE SCHOOL
Lori Greenho
Lori Greenho began teaching English at Haggard MS in 2006. After
spending several years in the business world as a corporate trainer and
instructor trainer, she decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Secondary
& Gifted Education transitioning to public school teaching. Lori has taught
seventh grade English and is currently an eighth grade English teacher
who loves the literature discussions she gets to have on a daily basis. She
has been a member of the PTA for the last 13 years. Lori has spent many
of those years volunteering at her children’s schools as a party mom, the
chairman of the Hospitality committee, field-trip chaperone and a variety
of other roles. Lori believes strongly that parental support in the schools
is vital for students, teachers and the parent volunteers. She is thankful
to be recognized with this PTA Lifetime Membership Award.
“
So shines a good
deed in a weary
world”
by David Seltzer
for the 1971 film
Willy Wonka
and the
Chocolate Factory
Brandi Hatley
Brandi Hatley has been an active PTA member for the past 10 years. She
began volunteering at Huffman Elementary, made her way to Hughston
Elementary, then on to Haggard MS, and now, Vines HS. Brandi served
as a room parent volunteer as well as assisted with the multicultural
night, spring fling, silent auction and teacher luncheon while at Huffman
Elementary. At Hughston Elementary, Brandi stepped up to the challenge
of yearbook chairperson for two years while also assisting in other roles.
During her time at Haggard, she has served as the 1st VP of Programs
as well as helped with the talent show, socials and the website. This
year, Brandi is serving her second term as the President of the Haggard
Middle School PTA. She is also the Historian of the Vines HS PTSA as
well as the Ways and Means Chair of the Plano ISD Council of PTAs.
In addition to all the time spent volunteering at PISD schools, she also
volunteers as a volleyball coach for young girls through Plano Sports
Authority. Brandi shares this honor with her husband, Chris, son, Austin
(9th grade,) and daughter, Chris Ann (8th grade).
Audrey Wilkerson
Audrey Wilkerson is honored to receive this award. She has one child
Olivia, an 8th grader at Haggard MS. Olivia started in PISD halfway
through fourth grade at Saigling Elementary and Audrey started
volunteering the next year. At Haggard, Audrey ran the school store
for two years and was VP of Volunteers for one and a half years. In
addition, she has loved planning the book fairs, socials, Career Day and
Haggard’s first Red Out. She also enjoys working at the school store
and anywhere else that she can be a fly on the middle school wall.
Audrey is married to Mitchell (who knows everything, is super cool,
and is very funny) and, in addition to their exceptional child, they have
a “famous” dog named Dash (@DashietheDog) who likes to pose for
pictures and generally wreak havoc. Audrey was an Art History major
with a career as a real estate paralegal and a commercial lender. After
living in Switzerland and South Africa for a bit, the family returned to
Dallas where Audrey stayed at home and then worked as the purchaser
for a commercial cabinet company. She owned a remodeling company
for four years. Afterwards, Audrey read and reviewed Young Adult
books (www.InkandPage.me). Currently, she is a contractor doing social
34
media work for Membership Toolkit and continues to write and blog
on her own time. Her future goals are to keep a New Year’s Resolution
(any), get something published and to finish decorating Olivia’s rec
room before she graduates from high school. When not catering to her
family’s every whim, she enjoys traveling, baking, torturing the Haggard
cafeteria personnel with her bad Spanish, music, movies, too much TV
and anything that makes her laugh. Audrey’s not always 100% nice and
complains sometimes (especially about other drivers), but she wants
you to know that she always feels badly for it immediately afterwards.
She also feels very strongly that if the question is “Can you help?” the
answer should almost always be “Yes.”
HENDRICK MIDDLE SCHOOL
Karen Hardman
Karen has been active in the PTA for ten years. She is currently serving
her second year as Hendrick’s Supply Cart Coordinator and is helping
with the Hospitality Committee for Clark PTSA. She was involved in
the Hedgcoxe PTA for eight years. Some of the positions she held at
Hedgcoxe were: Reflections Chairperson, Room Mom, and Teacher
Auction (Carnival) Co-Coordinator. Karen also enjoyed helping the
teachers and students with field trips, Student Council, Chez Snoopy,
and fifth grade graduation. In addition, Karen has been active in Girl
Scouts for eight years as a participating parent with one troop and an
Assistant Girl Scout Leader with another troop. Karen shares this honor
with her daughters, Megan (9th) and Melody (7th).
“
Appreciation is a
wonderful thing.
It makes what
is excellent in
others belong
Raymond Morton III
Raymond Morton, has been an active PTA member since his first year
as a teacher in 2004 when he began teaching in the Dallas Independent
School District. During his last ten years as a PTA Member, Raymond
has been active in several activities including AVID Site Team Member,
SBIC Committee Member, New Teacher Mentor, and Textbook
Adoption Committee Member. Raymond also served on the mentor
team for students while working in Dallas. Raymond is an active member
in his Church and also volunteers his services when needed. Raymond is
currently in his third year as a seventh grade Math Teacher at Hendrick
Middle School and his first year as the Math Department Chair. Prior
to working at Hendrick, Raymond was a seventh grade Math teacher at
Thomas West Browne Middle School in Dallas, TX, where he worked
for seven years. Raymond shares this honor with his wife, Lisa, and
daughter Kenley.
Susan Reiners
Susan Reiners has been a PTA member for the past ten years. She has
been active in many different ways. While at Beverly Elementary, she
served as grade level coordinator and room mom, and helped with
all events at the school. While at Hendrick MS, she has been active
in assisting with band outings, supply cart, carnation sales, and drama
department. Susan currently works as the Director of Special Angels and
teaches preschool at Christ United Methodist Church. Susan shares this
honor with her husband, Randy, and her two children, Roy and Rachel.
35
to us
as well.”
Voltaire
SCHIMELPFENIG MIDDLE SCHOOL
Saba Sadiq
“
How beautiful
a day can be
When kindness
touches it!”
George Elliston
Saba Sadiq has worked in Plano ISD since early 2005. She is Schimelpfenig’s
“Energizer Bunny” of the science department. She describes her teaching
style as “organized chaos,” and believes that science is best taught handson. Ms. Sadiq has high-expectations of ALL her students, encouraging
them them to go above and beyond their expectations by setting
challenging goals for themselves. Ms. Sadiq recognizes that each child
learns differently and makes an effort to give every child an opportunity
to succeed. She works with a range of students including those in the
gifted and talented program and also those with special needs. She hopes
to inspire her students to pursue careers in science. Ms. Sadiq puts a
huge emphasis on respect for all and has an excellent rapport with her
students. She spends time with many students daily both before and after
school, helping them with science tutoring, life skills, and sometimes just
helping them cope with a day that went horribly wrong. Teaching, for
Ms. Sadiq, is not a job... it is her passion. As she says “I live and love to
teach!” Ms. Sadiq has a Master’s in Physical Chemistry and is certified to
teach Science to grades 4-12. She wrote the book that is used as a Prep
Manual for teachers taking the TExES (Texas Examinations of Educator
Standards) 8-12 test for Science. Before teaching, she worked at various
times as an editor, writer, and reporter of science related materials. She
taught her son (who has Asperger’s Syndrome) high school science and is
currently teaching her senior daughter pre-AP biology.
Catherine Stevens
Catherine “Pat” Stevens has been coaching and teaching for 30 years.
She has spent the last 13 years coaching eighth grade volleyball and track
at Schimelpfenig MS. Pat received her B.S. and M.S. Degrees in Health
and Physical Education from North Carolina A&T State University.
Pat and her family are members of North Dallas Community Bible
Fellowship Church in Plano. She has been married to her husband Barry
for 23 years and has two boys: Barrington (Sophomore at University of
South Alabama) and Isaiah (7th grade, Curtis MS in Allen).
Debbie Trink
Debbie Trink has been a PTA volunteer for over eight years. She started
her PTA career at Mathews Elementary covering many needs such as
helping out with holiday parties, coordinating stage decorations for
Veterans Day assemblies, pitching in with carnival, field day, colonial days,
Special Education Substitute Teacher, volunteered in the front office
supporting the school administrator and more. She was also a gradelevel volunteer coordinator for first grade and went the extra mile to
train other volunteers to use tools such as the laminator and die-cutter.
While at Mathews, Debbie also enjoyed being a chaperone for field trips
to the Outdoor Learning Center and other destinations. She also used
her passion for photography to take photographs for the yearbook. At
Mathews, Debbie took on the position of Library Volunteer coordinator
and has carried her talents forward to Schimelpfenig where she is in
her third year in this role. At Schimelpfenig, this position comes with
the added responsibility of assisting the librarian with coordinating the
annual book fair. On top of her PTA responsibilities, Debbie is in her fifth
36
year working as a T.E.A.M.S. Volunteer where she helps students who
need additional one-on-one tutoring time each week. In addition to her
contributions to the school and students, Debbie’s love for animals has
resulted in her becoming the go-to person in the community to spread
the word about lost and found pets. Debbie is married to her wonderful
husband Eddy and they have two wonderful boys at Schimelpfenig, David
(8th grade) and Nathaniel (6th grade).
Selina Tse
Selina Tse has been a PTA member since 2004. Soon after joining PTA,
she began volunteering at Harrington Elementary as a Homeroom
parent in the Chinese Bilingual Pre-Kindergarten Program. Over the
next several years, Selina continued to volunteer, now at Carlisle, in
the workroom and library and also helping out with school parties,
field trips, book fair and more. She has spent the last few years at
Schimelpfenig and has continued to donate her time and efforts in the
copy room and at the book fair. In the 2011-2012 school year, Selina
was a Key Communicator for Schimelpfenig. She is currently School
Store Chair and Communications Chair for the Schimelpfenig PTA.
“
Volunteers
WILSON MIDDLE SCHOOL
Jana Brockman
are love
in motion! “
Jana Brockman has worked tirelessly for the last 26 years in education
in Plano ISD. She has been a member of PTA every single year and has
Author Unknown
volunteered at her own children’s schools as well (Mendenhall, Bowman,
Williams, Plano East, Shepard, Wilson, Vines, and Plano Senior). She
loves the challenge of teaching those hard to reach students. She feels
it’s her job to find some positive way she can connect with each of her
students. Jana has taught Special Education, regular fourth and fifth grade,
and ESL at the elementary and secondary level. She loves to interact
with her students and makes teaching seem almost effortless. She has
led many after-school tutoring groups for at-risk kids and uses humor,
music, and games to bond with the students and make learning fun. Jana
has been a mentor and student teacher supervisor to many teachers
over the years and loves to see the growth they make over a year’s
time. She has also headed up several United Way campaigns and leads
an on campus club at Wilson for Hispanic girls who will be the first
one in their family to attend college. People often look to Jana for her
leadership and expertise and her ability to make sure that the kids are
number one in all we do.
Tammie DeVoe
Tammie DeVoe is currently finishing her second year as board President
at Wilson MS. She has also been a Room Parent several times over the
years for her two sons Ethan (13) and Jake (11) in addition to serving
as President for two years at her children’s elementary school and
two years as Membership Chair before that with a couple years as
Parliamentarian and Wilson’s seventh grade football mom thrown in.
When not helping out at the school or in the classroom, she is spending
her time with family and friends. She has always enjoyed the coast,
traveling, and outdoor activities with her kids.
37
CLARK HIGH SCHOOL
Karen Stanton
Karen Stanton has been a member of PTSA for 22 years, both in the
schools where she teaches and at Bolin Elementary where her daughters
attend. Karen has served as room mother and volunteered at various
activities for the past five years. She volunteers as a Caring Community
team member and a religious educator at First Unitarian Church in
Dallas. Karen is currently in her twenty-second year as a public school
teacher and loves teaching English and serving as the ninth grade team
leader at Clark HS. She coordinated gifted programs in Colorado and
at Rice MS before teaching high school English, first at Jasper HS and
now at Clark. Karen shares this honor with her husband, Mike, and her
daughters Karter and Jillian.
“
Daizsa Taylor
Daizsa is new to the Plano area. She currently serves at Clark HS
as copy room mom and library volunteer. She is an active PTA
member and volunteers at Schimelpfenig MS as well as Clark. She also
volunteers in the community at One Community Church, 121 & Custer
Road, and, with her family, at the Family Promise Organization for the
Something
homeless of Collin County. She has spent over 10 years in service as a
that has always parish nurse, and mentor/tutor for youth. She is dedicated to enhancing
the lives of others. She shares this honor with her children DaQwan,
puzzled me all my Briyani, and Bobbi.
life is why, when
I am in special
need of help,
the good deed
is usually done
by somebody on
whom I have
no claim.”
William Feather
VINES HIGH SCHOOL
Alicia Rinaldi
Alicia has been the Hospitality Chair for two years and historian for one
year at Vines. She has contributed time and talents to purchasing and
decorating our school’s entrance, common areas and conference area.
She has been a reader for exam week, chaperoned UIL competitions and
served on nominating committees. She has volunteered her time and
talents at Aldridge Elementary and Wilson MS as well as Vines HS. Alicia
is active in her church and very supportive of her friends, neighbors and
schools. She has spent years as a Sunday school teacher for three to four
year olds, and is a greeter at her church. She has done many kindnesses
for others by supporting the less fortunate and struggling members of her
church with time and spiritual assistance. She is the type of person that
PTA presidents depend upon because she is reliable and competent. Vines
PTSA is proud to honor Alicia with the Lifetime Member distinction!
Meredith Smith
Meredith Smith is a committed educator who found her way to
education after a career in product development, including working
with products for Warner Brothers and HIT Entertainment. She says
“the job was fun but boring compared to teaching.” Meredith decided
that education was something she wanted to pursue based on her love
of learning and of working with students. In 2007, Meredith became a
Vines Viking and has worked with students in the English Department
and in the Humanities classroom since that time. Meredith genuinely
38
loves learning and shares her passion of literature, art, history and all
other subjects with students and faculty alike. She has served students
at Vines in a multitude of ways including sponsoring several academic
and non-academic organizations such as Academic Decathlon, National
Honor Society, Existentialist Club and Literary Book Club. She has also
served as a Speech and Debate Judge and AVID site team member.
Meredith took on the role of English I Team Leader during her third
year of teaching and began participating on the curriculum writing team
to build curriculum for the English, Humanities, and Summer School
courses. Meredith is currently the English Department Chair. Meredith
Smith is a Lifetime PTSA honoree because her dedication to learning is a
lifetime passion she commits to achieving each day. Meredith is a pillar of
inspiration, hope, and belief in sharing knowledge with students so they
are able to move into the world and make a positive impact. She is a
special educator that Vines is proud to honor.
PLANO SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Marsha Cawthon
Marsha Cawthon creates student-centered experiences in her English
classes, always seeking to know what students are curious about and
what they need in preparation for college. She is a mentor who writes
recommendations. Marsha is a funny, sharp, advisor who helps Seniors
bridge high school and the real world, and is an amazing PALS sponsor
with a heart for service. She was Copy Mom at Shepton when Paul
Weaver (now PISD Counseling Director) asked her why she didn’t
teach. Shortly thereafter, she enrolled at UTD and got her certification.
She started teaching in 1993 at Shepton, followed by PSHS in 1998.
Her talents have been recognized by her peers as she was the Texas
Classroom Teachers of English “High School Teacher of the Year” in
2013. A Baylor grad, Marsha and husband, Tom, have two adult children Allison and Matt, and three adorable grandchildren – Jack, Kate and Lilly.
Marsha’s hobbies are her grandkids – anything they want to do, she does.
Her retirement barometer will be when she pulls up at school and is not
excited. So far, there are always great new possibilities and she loves her
time with her students. Keeping up with graduates is a sweet joy for her,
as is having a whole new group when each school year begins.
Paige Christian
Paige Christian is all about service and education! She is the 2nd VP
and Communications Chair at PSHS, with responsibility for E-News,
Publicity, and the PTSA website. Prior to this role, she was Hickey ES
Communications Chair and an active member of the PTAs at Hendrick
MS and Clark HS. After 20 highly successful years in corporate sales and
marketing, Paige now serves Custer Road United Methodist Church as
Executive Director of Education (for all ages). Her roles go well beyond
the walls of the church as she counsels youth and helps with mission
projects. She also volunteers with her son through the Young Men’s
Service League. She has been married to husband, Shannon, for 19 yrs.
They have three children. Jordan is a junior at PSHS and Drew and
Abby attend Hendrick MS. She loves to buy books and wishes she had
39
“
No duty is more
urgent than that
of returning
thanks.”
James Allen
more time to read them. She enjoys watching her kids play sports and
spending time with family and friends. She is a big fan of Plano SHS! Paige
is impressed with all the opportunities for students in and outside the
classroom and enjoys the involvement and dedication of the students,
teachers, and parents alike.
Alicia Rinaldi
“
No one is more
cherished in
Alicia has been the Hospitality Chair for two years and historian for one
year at Vines. She has contributed time and talents to purchasing and
decorating our school’s entrance, common areas and conference area.
She has been a reader for exam week, chaperoned UIL competitions and
served on nominating committees. She has volunteered her time and
talents at Aldridge Elementary and Wilson MS as well as Vines HS. Alicia
is active in her church and very supportive of her friends, neighbors and
schools. She has spent years as a Sunday school teacher for three to four
year olds, and is a greeter at her church. She has done many kindnesses
for others by supporting the less fortunate and struggling members of her
church with time and spiritual assistance. She is the type of person that
PTA presidents depend upon because she is reliable and competent. Vines
PTSA is proud to honor Alicia with the Lifetime Member distinction!
Paige Tillman
Paige is dedicated to the children of our community and cares for them
in many ways. In addition to being a long time PTA volunteer, she has
been a Pediatric Oncology RN for 24 years, working the last 12 years
someone who
at Children’s Medical Center in Plano. She has a Bachelor in nursing
degree from Incarnate Word University in San Antonio. Her son,
lightens the
Broderick Perkins, senior at Plano. is starting point guard/shooting guard
& team captain on the Varsity basketball team. Paige has been active and
burden
volunteered with PTA since Broderick started at Davis Elementary and
also worked extensively with the PTA at Haggard MS. Paige coordinated
of another.
Hospitality at Vines HS for two years, and then was the Plano SHS
Corresponding Secretary. She was always active in Career Days at the
Thank you.”
schools for the nursing profession. Paige has also been team mom and
Author Unknown coordinated tournaments and helped be a “second” mom to players on
her son’s AAU basketball team. She has been married to Michael Tillman
for 11 years and has Broderick (18 years-a senior), step-daughters,
Melody (31 years) and Jazmin (26 years), daughter, Kristin (26 years),
and twin sons, Joe and John (31 years).
this world than
ISAACS EARLY CHILDHOOD
Nancy Grant
Nancy Grant has displayed many reasons why she should receive the
Texas PTA Lifetime Membership Award. Nancy has held a variety of
positions during her 12 years at Barron/Isaacs ECS. These roles include
Special Education Teacher, Special Education Team Leader, and Teacher
Leader. Having a variety of leadership roles has made her a valuable
asset to our school. Nancy is always ready to help any staff member who
has a need. She is always willing to sit with you and talk things out, as
well as, just listen when you need to discuss something. Whether setting
40
up parent meetings with teachers, co-chairing night events for students
and parents, or just helping where needed, Nancy has always taken on
any task with courtesy and respect. Isaacs ECS is very proud to have
Nancy Grant as a part of their staff and to have her receive the Texas
PTA Lifetime Membership Award.
BARRON ELEMENTARY
Leticia Cervantes
Leticia Cervantes is currently the PACE Gifted Specialist at Barron
Elementary. She has worked for PISD for the past 20 years with one year
of teaching in San Antonio. She obtained her Bachelor of Science and her
Masters in Gifted and Talented from the University of North Texas in
Denton, TX. She has served as the director and teacher of the FLASH
Adult ESL at Isaacs Early Childhood Center and as the DISCOVER
Gifted Specialist at Davis, Memorial, Shepard, Sigler, Mendenhall and
Barron Elementary Schools. She worked as a first grade Bilingual Teacher
at Meadows Elementary. She taught at Barron Elementary before it was
changed to an Early Childhood and has now returned to teach at Barron
after the school was change back to an elementary. Leticia has always
been involved with PTA, including her own children’s school at Beverly
Elementary. She has been one of Barron’s cheerleaders in recruiting
many to not only join the PTA, but to volunteer their services. We can
always count on Leticia Cervantes to not only participate, but include
her family’s services to support Barron’s activities throughout the year.
“
Volunteers do
not necessarily
have the time;
they just have
the heart.”
Rosalva Molina
Rosalva Molina has been a member of Barron PTA going on four years.
Elizabeth Andrew
She is currently serving as the Barron PTA Secretary and has served on
the board as VP of Membership and VP of Volunteers. She was awarded
the Parent “Volunteer of the Year” at Head Start when her son attended
there. She also was awarded for perfect attendance with the “Unidos”
program on several occasions. For 14 years, she has volunteered as a
Kindergarten Sunday School teacher at her church and continues to
volunteer there. Rosalva has been a great asset to the Barron PTA as well.
She is always there to help where help is needed. She never waits to be
called upon. She is a true leader and encourages others to join the PTA
and volunteer to help the students. Because of her efforts in recruiting
new parents to join the Barron PTA, Barron has increased its membership
each year. She is truly an advocate for the Barron PTA. She has a 5th
grader and 2nd grader who attend Barron and is very conscious in their
schooling and extracurricular activities. We, at Barron, are truly blessed
to have Rosalva on our board and as a parent at Barron Elementary.
41
BOGGESS ELEMENTARY
Jennife Almholt
“
It’s easy to make
a buck It is a lot
tougher
to make a
difference.”
Tom Brokaw
Jennifer has been active in the Boggess PTA since 2009. Coming from
Hunt Elementary, she volunteered as room mom in second grade that
first year she arrived at Boggess. The PTA board noticed something
special about her and recruited her as VP of Volunteers and she hasn’t
stopped since. After holding that position for two years, she was elected
as President of the Boggess Elementary PTA. In these past five years,
Jennifer has served countless hours, serving alongside each member of
the board and volunteers. She has also served on many PTA committees
and she is always present to lend a hand to the Boggess teachers,
parents, and students. Jennifer credits her fellow PTA members with
the success of her Presidency. “This is the end of my second year as
President. Lots of hard work goes into this job, but I can’t take credit
for all the great things we’ve done, since we have so many fantastic
volunteers and board members.”
Angela Katai
Angela has been an active member of the Boggess PTA since 2005. She
has served as a Room Mom or Grade Level Coordinator for all eight
years. She has been a liaison for student volunteers for the last several
years for Boggess Elementary’s two major fundraisers, Carnival and
Auction. She has also been on the Audit committee and Nominating
committee for three years. Angela has served as the chair for Arts in
Education for two years, and she has helped schedule, recruit and get
supplies for Field Day Volunteers. She has served on the SBIC for two
years and also been a Key Communicator. If that wasn’t enough, she has
happily spent hundreds of hours cutting and laminating and sorting things
to help the fabulous teachers of Boggess Elementary. Angela says, “I think
the PTA is a fabulous organization and appreciate the opportunity to help
our teachers and administrators and assist in my children’s education.”
Sherry Newell
Sherry has been teaching for a total of 20 years; 15 of those years in PISD.
She began her teaching career in Dallas ISD where she taught fourth
grade for five years. Finding her way to Plano ISD, she taught fourth grade
for five years at Dooley Elementary. After a brief six years of staying
at home with her children, she reentered the teaching world at Miller
Elementary where she taught third grade for two years. After moving
into the Boggess community, she began teaching third grade at Boggess
Elementary, where she’s been for the last eight years. During her teaching
career, she has been a grade level PACE certified teacher for eight years.
Sherry was the PTA Liaison for two years, served on the SBIC for two
years, a mentor teacher for new teachers for four years, and for the
last three years has served as the third grade team leader. Sherry enjoys
seeing her students grow to become well-rounded individuals.
42
Anna Walker
Anna has been an active member of the Boggess Elementary PTA for
seven years. She served as Kindergarten Room Mom Coordinator for
three years and was a room mom for three years. She chaired Family
Science Night and also served as Parliamentarian. Beginning in 2008,
Anna chaired the chess program for three years during which time she
started the chess program and annual tournament which continues
to present. She also served on the nominating, audit, and scholarship
committees. Anna has been a parent member of the LPAC (Language
Proficiency Assessment Committee) for three years and a science fair
judge for seven years. Most recently, she has served as the chair of the
carnival committee for the past two years, bringing new themes such as
“Year of the Dragon” and “Boggess State Fair.”
DOOLEY ELEMENTARY
Ramona Cartwright
Ramona has been in education for 22 years. She previously taught third
and fourth grades in Wylie ISD. In 2004, she came to Plano ISD as a
School Counselor. She is completing her ninth year in Plano and sixth
year as Dooley’s School Counselor. Ramona has a Master of Science
degree in School Counseling, Principal’s Certificate and an additional
certificate in Conflict Resolution. She has chaired many committees
during her educational career and currently serves as a counselor
leader for PISD East Feeder Schools. Ramona has also participated as a
volunteer mediator for DMS in Dallas. With eagerness and enthusiasm,
Ramona looks forward to the challenges and delight that her job brings
her each and every day.
Lisa Phillips
“
Volunteers don’t
get paid, not
because they’re
worthless, but
because they’re
priceless.”
Lisa has been an active Dooley PTA volunteer for nine years. While that Sherry Anderson
time was spread between two children and over a 12-year period, she
has continued to dedicate her time to supporting the Dooley family.
During her time at Dooley, Lisa has held various positions including
room mom, field trip chaperone, grade level coordinator and secretary.
She is the chairperson of this year’s Fifth Grade Celebration. Lisa’s
favorite PTA position has been serving as the chair of the Dragon Press,
Dooley’s amazing student creative writing and illustration publication
program. She has been a member of the Site Based Improvement
Committee and Dooley’s Green Ribbon Award winning Environmental
Committee. Lisa has also enjoyed serving as a History Fair judge each
year. She shares this honor with her husband, Byron, her son, Cody (12th
grade), and her daughter, Riley (5th grade).
Sarah Sammon
Sarah has been an active part of Dooley PTA for almost five years. She has
volunteered as home room mom, grade level room mom coordinator,
hospitality chairperson and mentor. Some of her favorite volunteer jobs
have been working with the students in the Dragon Press, judging science
fair projects and working at the school’s book fair. Sarah is currently
completing her second year as President of Dooley PTA. She shares this
award with her husband, Brett, and their two children, Grace and Grant.
43
Dawn Thompson
“
Too often in our
communities
many families
have not even
Married to Gary for 15 years, Dawn enjoys spending time with their
three children, Shelby (21), Baxter (14) and Mitchel (10). She is glad to
have had the opportunity to experience the wonderful PTA at Dooley
for seven fun-filled years. Dawn is currently Historian and Reflections
Chairman and has served as Membership chair and organized the
Grandparents Day Lunch in the past. She feels blessed to have worked
with some of the most spirited parents and teachers while hosting
classroom parties and hospitality events, chaperoning fifth grade camp
and field trips, volunteering in the library and as a science fair judge plus
many other fun activities. Although working part time makes it difficult
to commit to leadership roles within the PTA, she likes being able to
show up at the last minute and help wherever help is needed. Dawn
would like you to know “Everyone has a place to serve in PTA!”
FORMAN ELEMENTARY
Debra Babers
Debra Babers began her years of PTA service at Forman Elementary
beginning in the year 2000, when her oldest daughter, Debriscia
certain charities attended kindergarten. Known as the room mom and grade level
party coordinator of all time, teachers could not wait to experience
exist; and at the a Babers Party when a Babers joined the grade level because she
planned every aspect of the party to ensure that students would have
same time,
fun and learn and that our teachers would be appreciated. A couple of
years later, Mrs. Babers returned to Forman when her son, Trinton,
there are many entered kindergarten and resumed the role of room mom and grade
who are willing level party coordinator. She was recruited to run for a PTA Leadership
position and has served in several over the course of the years such as
membership chair, volunteer chair, and hospitality chair. Mrs. Babers has
to volunteer
also served as a Key Communicator for our campus as well as Secretary
their energy and of our District’s Diversity Advocacy Committee, in past years. In our
community, she is an active board member of the Boys and Girls Club
their resources helping out with fundraising and coordination of snacks as well as part
of the Usher Board of the Northeast Bible Church. When she is not
to help these
at Forman, Boys and Girls Club or Northeast Bible Church (or taking
charities, yet they care of her family and watching over neighbors’ children), Mrs. Babers
willingly and selflessly provides transportation for elderly or disabled
individuals to the grocery store or other important appointments
do not know
where they are required to attend. Her bright smile, positive attitude
these charities and serving spirit makes her an inspiration in our school community.
She shares this award with her wonderful husband Trin, as well as her
even exist.”
beautiful, intelligent children, Debriscia and Trinton. We are thrilled
to be able to recognize Mrs. Babers for her distinguishable 14 years of
Dana
service to Forman and Plano ISD.
been aware that
Rohrabacher
44
Norma Jones
Norma Jones has generously served the Forman Elementary community
in a variety of roles over the course of 14 years. She principally assumed
the role of Assistant Coach in our Physical Education Department until
2007 when she became even more indispensable as our school’s Parent
Liaison! She works tirelessly to bridge the communication between
our parents and Forman! She is the reason for our increased PTA
membership each year, dispelling myths within our community that
PTA is simply an organization that wants your money, but rather an
association that seeks a partnership with parents through volunteerism
and time to improve student achievement. Aside from mentoring our
new PTA membership chairs, Mrs. Jones also serves as the coordinator
of volunteers for both the campus and PTA. We proudly boast over
7000 volunteer hours each year with almost 1000 volunteers because
her kind-heartedness is contagious, and her persuasion is undeniable.
There is not a single Forman PTA event that does not have the
involvement of Mrs. Jones in how it is planned, organized, advertised
and executed. She provides English classes to Forman parents and still
finds time to serve as Forman’s PASAR Site Manager each day. Mrs.
Norma Jones is a generous, empathetic, non-judgmental, doer of only
good things; a possessor of great values and generator of creative
ideas; she is a fulfiller of others’ dreams and is a loving mother, wife
and grandmother. She shares this award with her supportive husband,
Alex; her proud children, Stacie, Patrick and Alex; and her talented
grandchildren, Devin, Mallory and Nathan. We are honored to award
Mrs. Jones this distinction. She is our living legacy!
“
Research has
shown that
people who
volunteer often
live longer.
HICKEY ELEMENTARY
Allen Klein
Suzy Christensen
Suzy Christensen is currently serving as the PTA President at Hickey
Elementary as well as the Parliamentarian at Bowman MS. She has been
actively involved in the PTA since moving to Plano three and a half
years ago. She considers it a great honor to serve in her community
and especially at her children’s schools. She is motivated by seeing the
joy and growth in the all children. Suzy recognizes all the effort and
work of so many parents and volunteers that work to create the best
environment for children to learn. She is always available to lend a
helping hand for anyone and constantly has a smile on her face. Suzy is
sharing this honor with her husband, Gregory, and their four children.
Flor Hamilton
Flor Hamilton has been a PTA member for 13 years. She has worked in
several PTA positions like Padres Unidos, News Translator, Parenting
programs in Spanish for Bilingual parents, and Ways and Means. Flor has
also served as President of the Orchestra Booster Club at Williams High
School, Volunteer at Bowman Middle School, and she now volunteers
at PTA CARES with our Community Outreach Program. For PISD,
Flor has been an interpreter and substitute teacher for six years. Each
of her three kids have been through Plano ISD schools. Dalton is 17
years old (Senior, PESH), Marian is 14 (9th grade, Williams), and Isabel
45
is 10 (4th grade, Hickey). Flor has even coached a soccer team for five
seasons which includes girls from Hickey Elementary. Flor’s dedication
to volunteering is apparent throughout her countless hours of activities.
Flor was a Girl Scout in Mexico and here in the USA she has been
involved with the organization for eight years. Currently, she serves as a
Girl Scout Leader with troop 665 which includes girls from Hickey. Flor
shares this honor with her husband of 18 years, William.
Jane Oestreich
“
I can no other
answer make,
but, thanks,
and thanks.”
William
Shakespeare
Jane Oestreich, principal of Hickey Elementary, has enthusiastically
supported PTA throughout the years as a parent, teacher, and
administrator. Her PTA titles have included Field Day Chairperson,
Market Day Chairperson, and Room Parent Coordinator. She has also
served as a volunteer for many activities throughout the years. Jane
believes that at the heart of every school is a strong PTA. Jane lives in
Plano with her husband Bill. Her two children, Katy and Bobby, attended
Plano schools from Kindergarten to twelfth grade.
HUNT ELEMENTARY
Mitzi Behnke
Mitzi joined the Hunt PTA in 2010, and is currently serving her second
term as Treasurer. She is also a big fan of the library and volunteers
there one day each week. Previously, she has been Assistant Treasurer,
Box Tops Coordinator, Room Mom and a Reconciliation Committee
member. She enjoys helping out at Field Day and working at the Book
Fair and Kindergarten Big Centers. If it went on at Hunt, Mitzi was
most likely there or knows all about it. She shares this award with her
husband, Mike, and their daughters, Caroline and Vivian.
Shannon Dugger
Shannon has been a devoted member of the Hunt PTA since 2005,
serving in many capacities, as well as a valuable substitute teacher at
Hunt since 2009. Currently, she is serving a second time as fifth Grade
Coordinator. Through her years as a Hunt PTA member, she has served
as Field Day Coordinator, Fourth Grade Coordinator, VP Programs,
fifth Grade Camp counselor, office volunteer and a room mom. Before
her life as a parent and PTA member, Shannon was a high school English
teacher and also volunteered in Youth Sunday school classes at her
childhood church. Shannon shares this honor with her husband, David,
and their children, Rachel and Jack, who proudly love and support her in
all she does.
Carole Greer
Carole was born and raised in the “Big D” and loves Texas! Family
is extremely important to her and she has raised her two children
surrounded by extended family members in Plano. Her sons are
products of PISD and are currently attending college. Carole’s Hunt
family is equally important to her. She began her PISD career seven
years ago at Matthews Elementary and continued at Weatherford
Elementary before arriving at Hunt Elementary two years ago. She hopes
to stay at Hunt for many years to come! Carole has spent her PISD
46
career entirely as a Kindergarten teacher. Before working in PISD, she
taught at a private school in Dallas for 20 years. While at the private
school, Carole was the Camp Director for their annual summer camp
with up to 300 Kindergarten children in attendance. Carole is a graduate
of the University of North Texas receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Human
Resource Management (Early Childhood Education) and a Masters of
Education in Childcare Administration. While attending UNT, Carole
taught in the University Lab School and supervised student teachers.
Continuing to sharing her love for teaching with young adults, Carole is
involved with Hunt Elementary interns and student teachers from Plano
East Senior High and local universities.
MEADOWS ELEMENTARY
Janna Fisher
Janna Fisher began her career in education in Dallas. She taught in Dallas
ISD for 10 years where she taught fourth, fifth, and sixth grades, and
was an Instructional Science Coach for the Science Department. She
started teaching in Plano ISD in 2010 at Meadows Elementary. After her
interview and a tour around Meadows she felt like she had found her
You may not
“home in Plano ISD”. Janna is the fifth grade Team Leader, has organized
Meadows’ Science Fairs, helped implement Elementary AVID, and has
have saved a lot
been an award winner from the Plano Foundation Education Grants in
2011, 2012, and 2013, which allows fourth and fifth graders at Meadows of money in your
to experience a college visit. She has organized a fifth grade community
life, but if you
project called Pennies for Petals that allowed fifth graders an opportunity
to give back to the community. Janna Fisher’s favorite subject to teach is
have saved a lot
Science. She loves watching students’ faces while discovering new things
or coming up with questions about the world. Her goal when teaching
of heartaches
fifth graders at Meadows is to inspire, motivate, and help students
accomplish success in learning. Janna Fisher received her Bachelor’s of
for other folks,
Arts from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas where
you are a pretty
she met her husband of 14 years, Chris, who is also a teacher and coach
in Plano ISD. She received her Master’s in Education Leadership from
rich man.”
Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas in 2007. She is blessed by
raising three beautiful daughters, Alyssa (11), Jaylen (8), and Aynslee (2)
Seth Parker
and an inspiring nephew, Darion (16). Janna enjoys spending time with
family, watching football, reading, and attending church.
“
MEMORIAL Elementary
Ivette Acosta
Ivett Acosta is a parent volunteer at Memorial Elementary. Many of us
remember how she practically raised her now kindergarten-age son
right here at school while volunteering many, many hours preparing
classroom materials for teachers and students. Ivett continues to work
almost every day, doing any and every job sent her way, whether it’s
copying, laminating, and cutting out individual reading booklets that
help students improve their reading skills or serving as an LPAC parent
representative. Nominated by several staff for this award, Ivett is
known as a volunteer who has a willing heart and a positive attitude.
Congratulations, Ivett!
47
Michelle Janah
“
The world is
hugged by the
faithful arms
of volunteers.”
Terri Guillemets
Michelle Janah is a fifth-grade teacher at Memorial Elementary who goes
above and beyond to directly impact the well-being of all Memorial
students. Not only has she been a member of PTA for years, but
Michelle has also served as an officer on our PTA Board. Michelle is
tireless, and very successful at searching for ways to increase parental
involvement in PTA as well as ways to generate funds to provide
students with experiences and opportunities they probably would never
otherwise have. In addition to her teaching assignment, Michelle is
our fifth-grade team leader. Everyone knows that being a team leader
requires great organizational skills and creative thinking, but being a
fifth-grade team leader demands so much more because of camp and
completion ceremonies, cooperation with club sponsors who work with
fifth graders, and many other special school-wide and grade-level events
and activities. Michelle is well-respected in every area of her professional
life and has just recently been chosen by her colleagues as a finalist for
our campus Teacher of the Year. Kudos to you, Michelle, and thanks for
all your valuable contributions to students, teachers, and parents.
MENDENHALL ELEMENTARY
Suzi Campbell
Mendenhall Elementary is honored to present Suzi Campbell with
the Texas PTA Life Membership Award. Her peers say she is a
knowledgeable, motivated and caring teacher. She makes her students
feel respected. She is a strong advocate for the successful AVID
program. Suzi has spent 16 years teaching fifth grade (six of those years
at Mendenhall) and one year as a special education teacher. She has a
Bachelor of Arts from Central Washington University and Master of
Arts from Saint Mary’s University, Minnesota. She earned Certification
from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards as a Middle
Childhood Generalist in 2002. She shares this honor with her husband
- Trey, eight children – Taylor, Jimmy, Rafael, Cody, Alex, Connor,
Mariah, and Marc. Her family has a strong legacy of teaching: her son
teaches high school social studies, brother teaches third grade, step
sisters teach second grade and kindergarten.
Libby Taylor-DeLeon
Mendenhall Elementary is honored to present Libby Taylor-DeLeon with
the Texas PTA Life Membership Award. She shares this honor with her
son, Wesley. Since starting in 1994, she has taught US History, Texas
History, and English. Also, she served as the Secondary ESL Coordinator.
She has been an active PTA member for 20 years. She got involved in
Mendenhall PTA when Wesley started Kindergarten. Her PTA positions
include Family Night Chair, 2nd VP Fundraising, Yearbook Chair, and two
years as President. She is a dedicated parent. Mendenhall teachers feel
Libby has been an important connector for the Hispanic population of
Mendenhall. She has helped many parents and students understand the
American school system. Her cheerful personality has always made the
parents of Mendenhall feel welcome and appreciated.
48
MILLER ELEMENTARY
Mary Jane Coker
Miller Elementary PTA is pleased to honor Mary Jane Coker with the
Texas PTA Lifetime Membership Award. Mary Jane has served the Miller
PTA since her sons, Cole and Carson, started Kindergarten in 2007.
Mary Jake has volunteered countless hours to support Miller Elementary
in a diverse set of capacities. This year she holds the position of Coins
4 Kids with Cancer Fundraising Leader, as she did last year. She has
also served as Fifth Grade Committee, fifth Grade Retreat Chaperone,
Room Mom Committee, Office Volunteer, Yearbook, Book Fair, Spirit
Wear, Library Volunteer, and Historian, often serving in a position more
than one year. When notified of the recognition, Mary Jane said, “I am
truly honored and touched. It has been an awesome experience for
my children at Miller Elementary. My family has been blessed to have
the amazing staff, teachers and all of the volunteers that make Miller
such a wonderful school.” In addition to her sons, Mary Jane also has a
daughter, Caitlyn, who attends Miller.
Cathy Moore
Cathy Moore’s children started at Miller Elementary in 2011. Cathy has
a daughter in 7th grade at Murphy Middle School and one in 3rd grade in
Miller. She joined PTA to be involved in the day to day activities of both
her girls’ schools. In 2011, Cathy was Grandparent’s Club Coordinator
at Miller. Twice a year during Grandparent’s Week she facilitated
grandparents having lunch with their grandchildren. In addition, she sent
the monthly Pony Express newsletter to keep them informed of activities
at Miller. For the past two years, Cathy has been PTA President. She
has worked hard to keep all activities and committees running smoothly.
A large number of awesome volunteer parents make the job easy. In
addition to President, Cathy has also served as grade level room mom
lead, Science Night Coordinator, and Spring Festival Co-coordinator.
Cathy has thoroughly enjoyed the past three years at Miller and is
honored to be selected for the Texas PTA Lifetime Membership Award.
SCHELL ELEMENTARY
Sarah Bensellam
Sarah is from Bowie, Texas. She lived there until she was 18, and then
moved to Richardson. She is a true Texas native. She is a dedicated
mom of two, Zayd and Layla. Sarah is an alumnus of the University of
Texas at Dallas where she earned a degree in Business Finance. This
along with her MBA makes her a rock star treasurer for our school! She
has a love of animals and, as a hobby, Sarah is involved in animal rescue
and fostering. In fact, her favorite quote is “The Greatness of a Nation
can be judged by how it treats its animals.” ~ Ghandi. She is an artist at
heart and loves to paint. Watching her children and those of loved ones
grow and succeed brings her the greatest joy; along with finding a dog a
forever home. She has been at Schell since it opened. The first year of
working with parents and teachers to get it up and running on time and
so smoothly is her favorite Schell memory. Sarah has been an integral
part of making Schell a success from the beginning.
49
“
Those who can,
do. Those who
can do more,
volunteer.”
Author Unknown
Gerome Bonner
Gerome, a Texas native, grew up in Round Rock, Texas before he
moved to the Dallas area. He and his wife Robyn have three children,
Romel, Grace and Xavier. Gerome attended Texas A&M and studied
Industrial Distribution Engineering. He is very motivated and has many
ideas for the school. His favorite quote is “The elevator to success is
out of order… you must take the stairs” ~ Joe Girard. He is known to
his friends as “Gbone”. In his spare time he enjoys basketball and golf as
well as reading, praying, cooking and working out. Gerome can always
be counted on to bring a smile to those around him and is always ready
to show his appreciation. The only thing that scares him is small town
tornados. Gerome’s favorite memory at Schell is Gracie’s kindergarten
year with Ms. Hyde. Gerome’s energy and dedication is part of what
propels Schell and the Watch Dog Program to success.
“
The breeze, the
trees,
the honey bees
—
All volunteers!”
Juliet Carinreap
Kathleen McMillen
Kathleen grew up in San Diego but has lived in Texas for 21 years.
She has been married for 23 years and has three children. Her family
knows her as Kathy. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business
Administration from the University of San Diego. Kathleen is the best
secretary imaginable at Schell and keeps everything on track. She believes
what goes around comes around and it shows, as she is incredibly kind
and accommodating to everyone she meets. She is a big college football
fan with a soft spot for Texas A&M. She has been known to attend
several games a year. She is dedicated to her health and loves to exercise.
To relax she reads or watches television. Kathleen finds the greatest joy
in being with her family and working out. Her fondest memory at Schell
is its inaugural year. She loved the excitement of starting something so
great. Kathleen is the key stone to the success of Schell. She is rock solid!
STINSON ELEMENTARY
Rae Nan Dean
Growing up, Rae Nan Dean wanted to be a teacher like her mom.
Although her professional career took a different path, Rae Nan has
taken full advantage of the opportunity to volunteer in education since
her son, Cody, started at Stinson Elementary in 2011. She immediately
jumped in as a room mom, teacher helper and library volunteer. In
2012, Rae Nan became Library Volunteer Coordinator, grade level
coordinating room mom and was named November’s Volunteer of the
Month. In 2013, she was selected as Volunteer Chair. In addition to her
PTA leadership roles, Rae Nan continues to volunteer in the library,
work the Book Fair and school store and help out at events such as field
day, Donuts for Dad, Kindergarten Round-Up and the annual PTA silent
auction. “Volunteering at the school is a lot of fun,” says Rae Nan. “I
love interacting with the kids and watching their faces light up when they
see me. I think my favorite thing to do is volunteer in the library.” Rae
Nan says receiving the Texas PTA Life Member Award is an honor she
did not expect to receive mostly because there are so many dedicated
volunteers at Stinson. When she’s not at the school, Rae Nan is busy
running a successful small business in Richardson and helping out with
Cody’s Cub Scout Den. She and her husband, David, are active in their
church on the Children’s Council and serving as Sunday school teachers.
50
Lara Hodges
Lara Hodges is a graduate of Texas A&M University and has a Masters of
Business Administration (MBA). Before having the best job ever (being a
Mom!), she had a 16+ year career at ExxonMobil Corporation. Lara and
her husband, Robert, have two sons at Stinson Elementary in the 1st and
2nd grades. Lara joined the PTA in 2011. Since then, she has held the many
PTA positions including Historian (two years), Yearbook Chairman (two
years), Front Office Volunteer (two years), Kindergarten Grade Level
Coordinator, Kindergarten/1st grade/2nd grade Volunteer, Kindergarten/1st
grade/2nd grade Room Parent and Secretary. As Historian, the Plano
ISD Council of PTAs recognized Lara with the Best Elementary School
Scrapbook Award and a Gold Level Award for both the 2011-2012 and
2012-2013 school years. She was also awarded the Best Traditional
Scrapbook Award for the 2012-2013 school year. Outside of her PTA
volunteer responsibilities, Lara enjoys scrapbooking, Texas A&M football
and attending her sons’ and nephews’ sporting events.
Celines Shipley
Celines Shipley moved to the Stinson area three years ago. During her
first year at Stinson, Celines was honored with the Volunteer of the
Year award due to her dedication to the My School is Cool/A+ Rewards
program. Through Celines’ efforts, Stinson was awarded over $5000
from Collin Creek Mall during the inaugural year of the My School
is Cool program. During her second year, she continued to be an
overachiever by earning five membership awards as VP of Membership
and working tirelessly on a Tree the Playground project which resulted
in eight new trees on the Stinson property. This year she is co-chair
of the Silent Auction, fifth grade homeroom coordinator and the
Community Partners chair. Somehow she also finds time to volunteer in
the school office, library, classrooms and at various school events. She is
Stinson’s Energizer Bunny!
ARMSTRONG MIDDLE SCHOOL
Heidi Bellamy
Heidi Bellamy is one of those teachers every parent hopes their child has
at least once during their education. She has taught in Plano ISD for 14
years including many years at Armstrong MS as a sixth grade Language
Arts teacher. Heidi not only helps her students build a strong foundation
for the rigors of a demanding language arts curriculum, she is a caring
and nurturing teacher that takes great care of our youngest students.
Her way of making every student feel smart, important and special has
earned her many, many teacher of the month votes over the years.
Heidi sets a wonderful example for new teachers to our campus through
her great work ethic and caring demeanor. She brightens the world of
our students and challenges each student to be their very best! Mrs.
Bellamy attended Kent State University and graduated from University
of Akron with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, and has been
teaching since 1979. She shares this award with her husband Don, her
son Jon, and her daughter and son-in-law, Courtney and Clint Miller. We
are honored to award Heidi this distinction.
51
“
Unselfish and
noble actions are
the most radiant
pages in the
biography
of souls.”
David Thomas
Jennifer Jeffress
“
Wherever a man
turns he can find
someone
Jennifer Jeffress began her years of PTA service at Dooley Elementary,
where she had several different roles, from Room Mom to Hospitality
volunteer. She is currently serving as Armstrong’s PTA president.
Jennifer is an attorney with a full time job but does not let that get in
the way of her being an amazing president and advocate for Armstrong
in the community. During her four years at Armstrong, Jennifer has
resurrected Career Day, an incredibly successful event that was lauded
by district officials. She was the eighth grade Celebration Co-chair
and not only orchestrated one of the best events we’ve ever had, but
made sure that every child that wanted to attend was able. She also
partnered with St. Andrews Prom Closet to make sure all our girls had
beautiful dresses to wear. Jennifer published the largest PTA directory
the school has ever had. The list of her PTA accomplishments could go
on a long time! Jennifer has gone above and beyond the job description
working for the staff, parents and students of Armstrong. Her belief that
our kids deserve the best is more than words, she lives it through her
tireless efforts for the school. Jennifer handles her current office with
much grace and aplomb, fielding every challenge that comes her way
beautifully. She shares this award with her wonderful husband Jerry and
her three amazing children, Annalee (9th grade), Zachary (7th grade) and
Meghan (1st grade). We are honored and blessed to have Jennifer as a
leader, parent and friend and to present her with this award.
Minoo Willie
who needs him.” Minoo Wille had served in many Plano PTAs in several different
Albert
Schweitzer
capacities, as she’s been an active PTA volunteer for over 10 years. Her
gifts are abundant and varied! In addition to being the Arts in Education
chair for Plano Council of PTAs as well are the Area 15 chair, Minoo
has also had active roles at Plano Senior PTSA (Hospitality and Arts in
Education), Vines PTSA (Arts in Ed Chair and Band Booster Treasurer),
PSHS Marching Band Booster Club, Dooley Elementary (Room Mom,
Arts in Ed chair, Grade level Coordinator and Mentoring Coordinator)
and Armstrong Middle School. We are blessed to have had her at
Armstrong for three years, where she has served as Treasurer and is
currently the Hospitality Chair. Despite her very busy work and kid
schedule, Minoo is a valued member of our PTA board, always offering
sage advice and great ideas. Her dedication to the students and teachers
of Armstrong, always working toward advancing and improving the
education and environment of our schools, has been an inspiration. We
are thrilled to give such an award to a parent and friend who gives back
so much to our children and schools. Minoo shares this award with her
wonderful husband David, and her incredible children Emilie (11th grade),
Nathan (8th grade) and Rickie (4th grade).
52
BOWMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL
Laurinda Burks
Laurinda has been an active member of the PTA for the past ten years
at Barron ECS, Hickey Elementary and Bowman MS. She has been very
involved in coordinating the Book Fairs for both Hickey Elementary and
Bowman MS for the past two years, and this has been near and dear to
her heart. She has been lead grade level parent and has volunteered for
numerous events throughout the years. She has also been involved with
the band and drama departments at Bowman. She served on the Special
Education Advisory committee for Plano ISD as a parent representative
from 2008-2011. She has a college background in Speech Pathology from
Texas State and has been an early childhood teacher off and on for the
past 14 years. Laurinda is married to her husband of 18 years, Stephen,
and they have three children: Shelby (9th grade), Christopher (8th grade),
and Matthew (4th grade).
Mark Caspersen
Mark is in his 26 year of teaching. He has been at Bowman for the
last eight years and serves as the head band director. Before coming
to Bowman he was the assistant director at Vines HS for three years.
Previous positions include, Frankfort KS, Pryor OK and Ponca City OK.
As head director for Ponca City High School his band was selected to
represent Oklahoma in the 2001 President George W. Bush Inaugural
Parade. Mark has been a member of the PTA or similar organizations
at each of the schools he has worked in. He has served as the Williams
High School Cheer Leader Booster Club Fundraising Chairman and is
currently the President of the Plano East ROTC Booster Club. Mark’s
professional organizations include Texas Music Educators Association,
Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity Life member, and Phi Beta Mu
International Bandmasters Fraternity. Mark was recently selected as
the Bowman Middle School 2013–2014 Teacher of the Year. He is the
proud work husband of Melissa Bunzendahl (choir teacher) of Bowman
Middle School. He is the proud father of Nelsen (12th, Plano East SHS)
and Lineah (11th, Plano East SHS). Mark is a firm believer of the power of
the community and parental involvement in our student’s education.
MURPHY MIDDLE SCHOOL
Karyn Collins
Karyn Collins has taught sixth grade Language Arts for 16 years, eleven
of which have been at Murphy. She always knew she wanted to be a
teacher and considers it a calling. “Rarely have I seen a teacher put as
much effort into planning and teaching as Mrs. Collins,” says a fellow
teacher. She is constantly incorporating new ideas and new strategies
into her classroom, and one year is never a repeat of the previous.
What really sets Mrs. Collins apart, however, is her knack for getting to
know her students personally and using that knowledge to help them
become better readers and writers as well as individuals. Her motto is
“Once a Collin’s student, always a Collin’s student.” It means a lot to her
students when they see her attending their after school choir and band
concerts, socials, and plays. She also uses her personal time in support
53
“
Volunteers
are paid in six
figures...
S-M-I-L-E-S.”
Gayla LeMaire
of her students by attending recitals and plays outside of school. Her
students describe her as a fun, hard-working, determined teacher who
is also a great listener. Outside of school, Mrs. Collins enjoys reading,
sewing, baking, playing piano, attending the Plano Symphony, and
spending time with her husband, Matt, and miniature Schnauzer, Bella.
Being a native of Indiana, she is also a huge Colts fan.
Fred Mancias
“
Volunteers are
the only human
beings on the
face of the earth
who reflect
this nation’s
compassion,
unselfish caring,
patience, and just
plain loving one
another.”
Erma Bombeck
Officer Fred Mancias is the Campus Protection Officer for Murphy
MS, as well as Boggess and Hunt Elementaries. He began his law
enforcement career in 1993 in Plainview, TX, and has been with the
Murphy Police Department since 2003. Officer Mancias is loved by
parents and students alike. He is a natural role model and connects
with the students effortlessly. He never tires of chatting with kids
and entertaining their curiosities. He is a friendly face in the morninggreeting students and helping direct carpool traffic. He is more than
willing to help out in any way he can, such as getting balloons to an
elementary school’s carnival, chaperoning Murphy Middle’s social,
and assisting a parent who fell and needed the paramedics. This was
all in one day! Officer Mancias’ co-workers at the police department
chimed in with praise for him as well, saying that he never calls in
sick, is always willing to fill in for others, and always comes in with
a smile on his face. Apparently, he loves singing loudly in the halls as
well. “Officer Mancias epitomizes tireless dedication to the students
of Murphy Middle and PISD,” says one parent. Another parent states,
“He is a great role model, and a perfect example of what PTA stands
for.” Outside of work, Officer Mancias enjoys traveling, riding his
motorcycle, and spending time with family.
Michael Murtaugh
Michael Murtaugh is an extremely dedicated special education teacher
at Murphy Middle School. Over the past four years he has volunteered
his time at every PTA sponsored Social to make sure his students,
as well as others, have a fun and successful evening. Mr. Murtaugh
also attends the yearly 8th grade celebration with the SPED students,
making sure they have the best experience possible. He is often
spotted at PTA sponsored spirit nights and other after school activities
supporting the school. He has been teaching at Murphy Middle for
six years and within Plano ISD for 11 years. One of his favorite things
about teaching is being able to laugh and have fun with the special
needs children. He enjoys showing them that science can be fun. His
biggest influence with his students is teaching them how making good
life choices affects others as well as themselves. Outside of school, he
enjoys spending time in nature with his daughter, going to the gym,
playing soccer and volleyball.
54
OTTO MIDDLE SCHOOL
Jena Aspden
Jena has spent her entire 14-year teaching career in PISD. She was
at Robinson MS for ten years, and was part of the staff that opened
Otto MS. For six of her years at Robinson, Jena she was the PTA Staff
Representative. For the past four years, she has helped the Otto PTA
100% teacher participation in the PTA. Jena is a 2000 graduate of
Oklahoma State University. In the Fall, she can be found in the stands
at Boone Pickens stadium with her husband, also an OSU alumni, and
her two kids – Aaron (age 8) and Skylar (age 6). In her spare time Jena
can be found attending her son’s baseball games and her daughter’s
cheerleading practices and competitions. She also likes to read and quilt.
Antoine Spencer
Mr. Spencer has worked in education for over 25 years, holding
administrative positions in Red Oak ISD and in Plano ISD where, prior
to joining Otto MS, he served as the assistant principal of Armstrong MS.
Mr. Spencer has served as principal of Otto since 2012 and is working
in close partnership with the Otto PTA Board to support teacher needs
in the classroom, enhance the educational opportunities available for all
students, and promote positive character through the implementation of
a campus-wide PBIS program.
“
Here’s to all
volunteers,those
dedicated people
Mary Beth Walworth
Mary Beth has been a member of the Otto PTA since 2011 when she
who believe in all
started at the school as the ESL team leader. She is also a current member
of the PTA at Stinson Elementary where her oldest child attends school.
work and
Mary Beth was previously a member of both the PTA and the Padres
Unidos Spanish-Language parent program at McCall Elementary. During
no pay.”
her time at McCall, Mary Beth received the Plano ISD Diversity Leadership
Robert Orben
Award for work with students and their families in programs such as
summer soccer and Ballet Folkórico performances. Mary Beth is a member
of the Otto SBIC, Williams SBIC and has served in the past on the McCall
SBIC. In efforts to provide training, resources and education to families, she
has coordinated the Otto Parent Academy and doubled parent participation
in this program. In her first year at Otto, Mary Beth took on the role of
faculty sponsor of the Otto Middle School chapter of the National Junior
Honor Society where she was able to turn around a struggling program
and triple candidate induction. In order to promote leadership in all
young leaders at Otto, both the NJHS and AVID collaborated on a team
building program. Mary Beth develops NJHS students’ love of citizenship
by having them write short essays on topics such as character, leadership
and service from their various experiences within the organization. The
results of this exercise are reflected in the ability of the NJHS students
to raise almost $6,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This
year they hope to reach a goal of $10,000 raised. Mary Beth attended
Baylor’s undergraduate program and she holds a Master’s degree in
Administration and Supervision. Most recently, she earned her Texas
principal certificate and hopes to not only move into school administration
but, one day, participate at the state level in championing Texas public
education. She is married to Jonathan and they are the proud parents of
Jack, a kindergartener at Stinson, and Allison, a future PISD student.
55
McMILLEN HIGH SCHOOL
Cynthia Bell
“
“I slept and
dreamt that life
was joy. I awoke
and saw that life
was service.
I acted and
behold, service
was joy.”
Rabindranath
Tagore (18611941);
Poet, Playwright,
Essayist
McMillen High School is proud to present the 2013 Texas Life
Membership Award to Cynthia (Cindy) Bell. Cindy has been a member
of PTA for 18 years. She has been involved in the PTA in some capacity
at all of the schools her sons have attended either as a parent or teacher.
Whether it was serving on the executive board at Dooley Elementary,
being Vice President at Armstrong MS, teacher liaison at Williams High
School, or active member at McMillen HS and Plano East SHS, Cindy
has always been involved. In addition to all this, plus being a mom, Cindy
teaches ASL at McMillen HS. She has been teaching for 13 years in
Dallas and Plano, and sponsors the ASL club at McMillen. Cindy shows
wonderful support of McMillen PTSA by mentioning events sponsored by
the PTSA in her weekly email sent to the parents of her ASL students.
Cindy attended Plano schools from first grade through twelfth grade and
is a 1981 graduate of Plano Senior High School. We are grateful for all
the support and help Cindy has given throughout the years to PTA and
are proud to call her a McMillen Lion. Cindy shares this honor with her
husband Ken and two wonderful sons Brien and Jeffrey.
Kristin Presz
McMillen HS is proud to present the 2013 Texas Life Membership
Award to Kristin Presz. Kristin has been a PTA member for 10 years,
and volunteers regularly at three different PISD schools. She has a very
generous spirit and is a wonderful role model for all those she comes into
contact with. A former high school teacher, Kristin places a great deal
of importance on education, as is evidenced by the countless hours she
spends volunteering both in and out of the classroom. She is always willing
to lend a hand wherever needed and brings enthusiasm and a wonderful
sense of humor to any job. Unable to say “no,” she pours her heart and
soul into helping not only her own three children, but also the many other
children in her community. In addition to volunteering in the schools,
she is a Girl Scout troop leader for three troops (one of which does not
even include a child of hers). Kristin also volunteers for her church and
various fine arts activities and sports teams her children are involved
in. Congratulations are in order for this very special volunteer. Miller
Elementary, Murphy MS and McMillen HS are lucky to have her, and we
look forward to many more years with her. Kristin shares this honor with
her husband, Mike, and three wonderful children, Katie, Carly and Joe.
Lori Walker
McMillen High School is proud to present the 2013 Texas Life
Membership Award to Lori Walker. Lori Walker is the type of PTA
member that you want filling your entire board. She is friendly, dedicated,
and hard working. She is easy to get along with and has great, yet practical
ideas. She has been involved with PTA for over 10 years starting with her
days at Dooley Elementary. There she was the volunteer coordinator
and office aide. She transitioned to Bogess Elementary when her family
moved to Murphy. There she was classroom mom and spirit wear chair.
She also did Thursday packets. After her kids moved to middle school,
she became co-chair for hospitality at Murphy Middle School. Now she
56
is the hospitality chair at McMillen HS. She does a great job keeping
our teachers fed! Besides holding strategic board positions, she also
volunteers for numerous necessary jobs like snack sales, nominating
committees, and decorating committee, etc. McMillen could not survive
without people like Lori that are dedicated to our kids and our PTSA. She
will tell you that she is a great “little Indian, but doesn’t want to be chief!”
In our opinion, she could run the whole tribe, but we’ll take her in any
capacity that she has to offer. Love you Lori! Lori shares this honor with
her husband, Brian, and wonderful children, Tobey and Thomas.
WILLIAMS HIGH SCHOOL
Ron Planks
Ronald Planks has been the Director of Orchestras at Williams HS in
Plano, TX since 1998. He received his Bachelor of Music Education and
Masters of Music degrees from Sam Houston State University, where
he studied conducting with Dr. Carol Smith. While at Sam Houston,
he studied violin and viola with Dr. James Gardner and Joy Plesner. Mr.
Planks, an aspiring administrator, is presently completing coursework
Never doubt
toward his Principal’s Certification through Lamar University. Prior
to his present position at Williams HS, Mr. Planks taught in the Bryan
that a small gens
and Spring Branch Independent School Districts. His orchestras have
consistently won sweepstakes awards at the UIL Concert and Sightcan change the
reading Contests. Mr. Planks has also had several of his orchestra
students and private students selected in one or more region and allworld; indeed,
state orchestras. Mr. Planks is also the Founder/Director of the Dallasbased Strings of Color Youth Orchestra, and most recently, the afterit’s the only thing
school program, E.T.H.O.S. – Ethnic Teens Honoring & Owning Success,
that ever has.”
which garnered Mr. Planks a Plano Education Foundation Educator Grant
for the creation of innovative programs that benefit students. During his
Margaret Mead
free-time, Mr. Planks loves to perform and compose.
“
(1902-1978);
Stacy Schreiner
Stacy Schreiner has been an anchor for the kids on the east side of Plano.
She has been a dedicated volunteer through the years in elementary,
middle and high schools. Stacy is always willing to put the needs of
the kids first. She has worn many PTA hats over the past 10 years
including: Stinson Room Mom Volunteer, Room Mom Coordinator,
Read to Succeed Coordinator, School Supply Coordinator, Otto
MS Box Tops Coordinator, A+ Rewards Coordinator, and Grocery
Card Coordinator. She received PTA Life Membership recognition at
Williams High School as VP Programs. She has subbed in the district for
four years and has been a full-time employee for the district employee
for four years. Wife to Clint Schreiner, mom to Sydney (10th grade,
Williams) and Amelia (8th grade, Otto), she has also been a Girl Scout
leader for 10 years and is a member of The Heights Baptist Church. Her
hobbies include travel, and spending time with family.
57
Cultural
Anthropologist
PLANO EAST SENIOR HIGH
Debbie Weaver
“
I don’t know
what your
destiny will be,
but one thing I
do know: the
only ones among
you who will be
really happy are
those who have
Plano East is proud to honor Debbie Weaver as a Texas PTA Life
Member. Debbie has been employed by Plano ISD since 1997, beginning
in the front office at Miller Elementary, then moving on to Clark HS,
and finally to Plano East where she has been the Office Manager since
2004. She loves working with people, and her position at East gives her
ample opportunity to do so. For the 25 plus years she has lived in Plano,
Debbie has been actively involved in school, church, and community
activities while raising her children - a son and daughter who are both
graduates of Plano East and Texas A&M. Her volunteer services have
ranged from Room Mom at Hedgcoxe Elementary to Band Booster
President (along with her husband Rick) for two years each at Clark
and Plano East, where they also served as members of the Panthers Inc.
PTSA Board. Debbie has served on SBIC at Clark and Plano East, has
participated in various district level committees, and has been nominated
twice for the PISD Service Award. Debbie is an active member of Plano’s
First Baptist Church, where she is a member of the choir. Debbie and
Rick have been blessed with five grandchildren, and enjoy spending much
of their leisure time with them. They also enjoy traveling and camping,
and various DIY projects. Debbie is honored to have been chosen as a
Texas PTA Life Member while at Clark HS, and again now by Plano East.
ANDREWS Elementary
Brad Clements
During the tenure of his two daughters at Andrews Elementary, Brad
sought and found Clements has been involved to support not only his children, but
how to serve.”
Albert
Schweitzer
(1875-1965);
Philosopher,
Physician, Nobel
Peace Prize
Winner
also their classmates and the school staff. Brad has volunteered in the
Andrews Dad’s Club for many years and has helped to organize many
events such as the Andrews Fall Carnival and Spring Festival through this
involved group of fathers. In 2012, the Andrews PTA had a hard time
finding someone to volunteer to be president of the PTA board. Brad
stepped up to accept the position as Andrews PTA President and has
done a great job unifying the board and delegating actions as needed.
Brad has been an active member of PTA for 10 years and has served as
the Andrews PTA President during the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 school
years. Brad leads by example and always puts the needs of students first.
He stays informed of issues and leads the board to act in a way that
benefits Andrews and all of PISD. In addition to PTA, Brad also serves
the Plano community through his involvement in his church, local youth
sports and his Homeowner’s Association.
Marsha Duncan
Andrews PTA is pleased to award Andrews Elementary’s Secretary,
Marsha Duncan, with a PTA Lifetime Membership Award. Marsha is the
first face many parents see when they enter Andrews, and she always
greets them in a helpful manner. The Andrews PTA would have a
difficult time functioning without the assistance Marsha provides. Marsha
assists volunteers in navigating the process to get approved to help,
directs students and extracurricular program instructors to after school
58
PTA programs, monitors parent volunteers in the school, and helps
answer any questions that arise about school functions. Marsha has
participated in the PTA for 20 years as a staff member at the schools
where she worked in PISD, and also joined the local PTA of her son’s
school during his time through grades K-12 in Plano.
Paul Nhem
Paul Nhem has been a PTA member since 2007 and has served as
President of the Andrews Dad’s Club for the past four years. During his
time as President, Paul helped to plan and coordinate events such as the
Andrews Fall Festival and Spring Fling yearly. He also worked through
Dad’s Club to provide breakfasts and lunches for Andrews teachers as a One kernel is felt
show of appreciation. Under Paul’s leadership with the Andrews Dad’s
Club, Andrews’ fathers have also assisted with carpool duty and hosted
in a hogshead;
events such as Father & Child movie and game nights. Whenever you ask
one drop of
Paul to volunteer, he always steps up. He is always making snow cones
or cotton candy for the kids at the end of year school parties. Andrews
water helps to
Elementary is very fortunate to have a great group of dads led by Paul
Nhem who are helping to make Andrews Elementary be the best it can be.
“
swell the ocean;
a spark of fire
BRINKER ELEMENTARY
Felicia Giambalvo
helps to give light
to the world.
Felicia has been tirelessly volunteering at Brinker and Renner PTAs for
eight years. She has been involved from the day her daughter entered
None are too
kindergarten and has always been the one to count on. She has served
Brinker PTA as Tuesday Tunes Chair, Bluebonnet & Author Visits Chair, small, too feeble,
Book Fair Co-Chair, fifth Grade Lead Homeroom Representative, Family
Arts Night, Reading Buddies, Brinker Bash and Teacher Appreciation.
too poor to be of
She has also served Renner PTA as Environmental Chair, Library
service. Think of
Coordinator, Science Fair and seventh grade Volleyball Team Parent.
In addition, Felicia serves as the Sunrise Senior Living Liaison through
this and act.”
her involvement with National Charity League. She also serves as Team
Parent for her daughter’s Club Volleyball Team. When her daughters
Hannah More
were younger, Felicia was a PSA Volleyball Coach and PSA Basketball
Assistant Coach. Felicia would like to share this honor with her
(1745-1833);
wonderful husband Scott, and her terrific daughters Sierra and Sedona.
Writer
Kim Gleason
Kim has been an integral part of Brinker’s PTA for numerous years and
has served in many capacities that benefit the children at Brinker. She
is always quick to step up to task and lend “two hands”. She truly leads
by example. In addition to being the current President of the Brinker
Elementary PTA, Kim has held many other positions including Ways and
Means for two years, Spirit Wear Chair, and Chair of our very successful
“Rockin’ for Brinker” Family Event and Silent Auction in 2010. She has
spent many hours volunteering at Brinker events including Book Fair,
Brinker Bash, Field Day, Family Picnic, classroom parties, field trips, and
numerous other PTA sponsored events. Kim serves her community
through the National Charity League with her daughter, she is a
59
“
Consciously or
unconsciously,
every one of
us does render
some service
or other. If we
member of the Junior League of Plano and has served on the Ski Plano
Committee, and she has been a member of the Women’s Auxiliary to
Children’s Medical Center. She is an inspiring leader who will be dearly
missed next year.
Jennifer Hood
Brinker Elementary is honored to present Jennifer Hood with the Texas
PTA Life Membership Award. Jennifer deserves this recognition for
her quiet, yet inspired teaching style. She consistently goes beyond the
expected teaching requirements and positively influences the lives of
each of her students. Jennifer is an asset to the second grade team at
Brinker and we are lucky to have a teacher who cares so much about
the success of our students. Jennifer shares this honor with her husband
Brett and her parents.
Jeanne Koepke
Jeanne has been an exceptional volunteer and PTA leader at Brinker
Elementary for many years. She always has a welcome smile on her
face, always has a positive attitude, and endless energy for helping
habit of doing
the staff and students at Brinker Elementary. She is currently serving
as VP of Volunteers. She is the go-to volunteer and has previously
this service
served Brinker PTA as Membership Chair, Secretary, Greeter Desk
deliberately, our Coordinator, Room Representative, Reading Buddies, VIP Tutor, SBIC
and Key Communicator, Field Day, Brinker Bash, Book Fair, Back to
desire for service Brinker, Hearing and Vision testing, Kindergarten Roundup, art weeks,
will steadily grow field trips and almost every other PTA and school sponsored activity.
Jeanne also serves on the Renner PTA as Directory of Advertising Sales
and has been Spirit Wear Chair. She is active in National Charity League
stronger, and
with her daughter and volunteers at Sunrise Senior Living, Operation
will make, not
Kindness and Meals on Wheels. Alzheimers Association and Leukemia
Foundation have both benefited from her tireless fundraising. Jeanne
only our own
thanks her husband Don, daughter Paige, son Daniel, and her parents
and sisters for their love and support. Congratulations on this well
happiness, but
deserved honor.
cultivate the
that of the world
at large.”
Mohandas
Karamchand
Gandhi (18691948); Indian
Political And
Spiritual Leader
Ashala Morris
Ashala is a dedicated, compassionate, caring educator that truly cares
about all of the students at Brinker Elementary. She serves as Brinker’s
school counselor and guides each student to make better decisions and
instructs them on safe ways to lead their lives. She is an encourager to
all, a kind listener, and an advocate for children and adults. Ashala is an
active member of her church, volunteering for Awanas and Vacation
Bible School Teacher. She also contributes to her community through
her membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and her involvement in
the Wylie Football and Basketball League. Her amazing support system
includes her husband Danzell, son Austyn, her family in Shreveport, LA
and her Brinker family.
60
Karen Ricketts
Karen has been a dedicated volunteer at Brinker Elementary from
day one. She is always willing to help and her presence always brings
a positive influence to any event. She currently serves in her second
term as Treasurer. In addition to keeping the books, Karen has served
as Parliamentarian, Literary Enrichment Chair, Book Fair Chair (for six
Book Fairs!), Legislative Chair, Kindergarten Volunteer Coordinator
and Homeroom Representative. She also serves as the Community
Outreach Chair on the Renner PTA. Karen has served her community
by being Team Mom for her son’s hockey team the past seven years and
managing a charitable endowment in her home state of Michigan. Karen
shares this honor with her children Ian and Abbey. We are excited to
honor Karen with this award.
CENTENNIAL ELEMENTARY
Terry Caskey
Centennial PTA is honored and excited to present Terry Caskey
with the Texas PTA Life Membership Award. Terry has been a
dedicated volunteer at Centennial since 2009 when William started
kindergarten. Terry joined the Centennial PTA Board in 2010 as chair
of children’s cultural programs. She has brought many great authors to
Centennial and organized fabulous Cultural Arts Day. In 2012 Terry
was Parliamentarian and organized the Centennial Vote for President
Election. She now reigns as VP of Programs. Terry also has put in many
hours of volunteer time in with Teacher Appreciation Week and has
served on the scholarship committee. Terry goes above and beyond to
help out and the Centennial PTA appreciates all her hard work. In her
spare time Terry loves to travel, read, garden, volunteer, and is a rabid
Gamecock fan of her alma mater, the University of South Carolina.
Terry has shown a strong work ethic and leadership as a former Vice
President and Trust Officer at Fifth Third Bank and SunTrust Banks. She
has shown her dedication to children in many ways and formerly was
a Sunday School Teacher at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Terry is
a wonderful mother to William in 4th grade and is also a mother/care
giver to Cee Cee, her nine-month bichon/terrier puppy. Terry has lived
in Plano for just over eight years and amazingly just celebrated her 30th
wedding anniversary with Danny! We are thrilled to award Terry with
this honor and are so appreciative of all her hard work and dedication to
Centennial Elementary.
Tricia Hunsucker
Centennial Elementary PTA is very excited to present Tricia Hunsucker
with the Texas PTA Life Membership Award. Tricia has a heart for
children and has been generous with her time and resources to ensure
the children of Centennial have a wonderful, enriching experience
in elementary school. Tricia, who currently serves on the board as
Parliamentarian, has also served as Secretary and Treasurer. Tricia has
been a valuable voice in the executive officer group for the last four
years. She gives wise counsel and contributes ideas and opinions which
the current and former presidents have come to rely on. In addition to
61
“
To serve is
beautiful, but
only if it is done
with joy and a
whole heart and
a free mind.”
Pearl S. Buck
(1892-1973);
Writer, Nobel
And Pulitzer
Prize Winner
her elected board positions, Tricia can be found volunteering for most
every PTA program and event at Centennial. She has served on teacher
appreciation committees, has helped with after school enrichment,
has helped set up for picnics and has been known to count money for
countless book fairs and other fundraisers. Tricia is active in her church,
participating in bible study and a women’s group. In her free time she
enjoys exercising, participating with her daughter in a girls’ leadership
program and filling in at her husband’s dental practice. Tricia and her
husband Bob are the parents of Breck (6th grade, Renner MS) and Heath,
(1st grade, Centennial). Tricia is truly deserving of this award.
Jen Kendall
than any other
Centennial PTA is honored to present Jennifer Kendall with the Texas
PTA Life Membership Award. Jen has been a dedicated volunteer at
Centennial since moving to Dallas in 2008. Jen has held many positions
on the board over the past five years. She spent two years as the Building
and Landscape Chair helping to beautify our school, she spent countless
days and nights on her computer for two years as the Newsletter and
Website Chair and currently serves as our VP–Fundraising. The past
five years, she was very involved in the Study Buddies program helping
give students that little extra push they needed in their school work.
Jen helped lead the Environmental After-School Program and has also
served on many other committees including staff appreciation, fifth grade
celebration, and always lends a helping hand with teacher workroom
duties. Jen is married to Brent and they have three very active kids. Maya
a (6th grade, Renner) Chase (4th grade, Centennial) and Lola (2nd grade,
Centennial). When Jen is not volunteering her time at school, she can be
found most weeknights and weekends at the soccer or baseball fields or
the basketball courts. She also enjoys running and attending her weekly
Bible Study. We are very proud to award Jen with this honor and are so
grateful for her continued dedication to Centennial.
venture of life.”
Karen Ondocsin
“
Service to a just
cause rewards
the worker
with more real
happiness and
satisfaction
Carrie Chapman
Catt (18591947); American
Women’s Rights
Activist
Centennial PTA is honored to present Karen Ondocsin with the Texas
PTA Life Membership Award. Karen has taught at Centennial Elementary
for 13 years and prior to joining the staff at Centennial she was a Plano
ISD substitute at Barksdale and Centennial. Karen has been married to
Bob for 38 years. She has two sons, David and Jeff. Karen has warmth
about her that permeates everything she does. She is so gracious for
everything that the PTA provides to both the staff and students. Karen
always makes sure that she tells the PTA how much the Kindergarten
team appreciates the extra field trip that the PTA sponsors, as well as
the staff luncheons provided by the PTA. She is open to having parents
interact with the students throughout the day helping wherever there
is a need. Karen fully understands the concept that if parents and staff
work together, that ultimately, our children benefit. When not teaching,
Karen enjoys traveling, shopping, walking, and going out to dinner with
friends and family. Or you can find Karen cheering on her beloved
Pittsburg Steelers. We are so excited to honor Karen with this welldeserved award. She is the perfect Kindergarten teacher!
62
DAFFRON ELEMENTARY
Beth Brown
Beth Brown is a fourth grade teacher at Daffron Elementary. She taught
in Richardson for seven years before having her three boys and staying
home with them for nine years. Her twins will be graduating in May from
high school in Plano and her youngest son is a sophomore. As a former
volunteer and a current teacher in PISD, Beth knows the value of the
PTA and has a great appreciation for the opportunities her children and
students have been given through PTA sponsored programs. Beth was a
parent member of the Daffron PTA from 2001-2004. During that time
she loved working in the library, helping the teachers, and running the
Sally Foster Fundraiser. In 2005, she began teaching at Daffron and has
remained a strong advocate of the PTA. The Daffron PTA appreciates
Beth’s many years of commitment to the students, parents and teachers.
Silvia Garza
“
Silvia Garza started as a volunteer at Daffron Elementary in 2007 helping
with the kindergarten work room, Cultural Diversity, Field Day and
Bike Rodeo. She has also been the Bilingual Liaison and used her skills
How can I be
to help during Kindergarten Roundups, Back-to-School Flings and health
screenings. In addition, Silvia has translated the school’s newsletter,
useful, of what
The Deputy Star, into Spanish. She was a member of the Language
Proficiency Assessment Committee helping students with their language
service can I
acquisition placement and programs. For three years, Silvia also helped
students print their own books at Daffron’s publishing center, the
be? There is
Deputy Press. She joined the PTA board at Daffron in 2008 as Cultural
Diversity co-chair. Silvia organized and hosted Cultural Diversity Night
something
from 2010-2012 and was Book Fair co-chair from 2010-2012. She has
nside me, what
been Art Room Coordinator since 2012 and helped with the Dynamic
Dimensionists, an after school art program, last year. Silvia has been
can it be?”
involved with many fifth grade activities and STOP (Students Thinking of
People) over the last two years. She loves to volunteer in order to make Author Unknown
a difference by helping students improve academically and welcoming
new families to Daffron.
Sherry Whitfield
Sherry Whitfield has been a valuable, dedicated member of the Daffron
Elementary PTA since 2006. During that time, she has been a room
parent for both of her girls’ classes, helped the literacy specialist with the
literacy program for first graders, wrapped baskets for the Silent Auction
and volunteered in the library and at many Daffron events, including
Field Day, End-of-Year Picnic and Book Fair. Sherry has managed
Daffron’s Deputy Store, chaired the Hospitality Committee and served
as Volunteer Coordinator and as a STOP (Students Thinking of Other
People) sponsor. She has also held the positions of VP of Programs and
is currently STOP Coordinator and Parliamentarian. Daffron Elementary
PTA appreciates the many wonderful ways that Sherry has contributed
her talents over the years.
63
GULLEDGE ELEMENTARY
Margit Mollhoff
“
The highest
of distinctions
is service
to others.”
King George IV
(1762-1830)
King Of Great
Britain, Ireland
And Hanover
Congratulations to PTA Life Member, Margit Mollhoff! This dynamic
volunteer has worked in all areas of our school from the office, to the
library, to the classroom. In addition to managing her very busy family’s
schedule, she has managed to take on some of the most challenging
roles for our PTA. Last year Margit coordinated the school directory,
including student artwork, and did an impeccable job. In addition, she
facilitated the construction of a keyhole garden in the Gulledge back
porch. Imagine our sadness when she announced that she would be
moving out of state over the summer! Thankfully her plans changed,
and this year she has managed the library volunteer schedule in addition
to working in the front office regularly. Margit is always there to lend
a hand in any capacity. Her can-do attitude coupled with her vivacious
fist pump makes her a bright light in our PTA! When she’s not busy
volunteering, Margit can be found spending time with her family including
three children, the eldest in California at UC Davis, one junior at PWSH
and Lukas, in 4th grade. Her husband works in New York as a scientist at
Mount Sinai Medical Center.
Jeff Thrasher
Ask any Gulledge student, current or past, who their favorite teachers
are, and there’s a guarantee that “Coach T” will be on that list! Since
2005, this fun-loving PE coach has been inspiring Gulledge students to
exercise through play. Jeff’s gift to his students is allowing kids to simply
be kids. In doing so, he has guaranteed that PE days are some of the best
days of the week! At any point throughout the school day, laughter and
cheers fill the gymnasium’s air. In addition to his PE class, Coach T runs
morning carpool and is in charge of the student Safety Patrol. Each day,
despite the temperature, he can be seen braving the carpool traffic in
his shorts and t-shirt ready with a “Hello” or high five for his students.
Coach T’s support is also invaluable to our PTA, especially during Field
Day! Without his guidance, supervision and equipment donations, the
day just wouldn’t be the same! In addition to his school family, Coach T
has a wife, Michelle, and son, Colt who often join him at Gulledge spirit
nights. Congratulation to Jeff Thrasher on his PTA Life Member award!
ROSE MARY HAGGAR ELEMENTARY
Ty Karl
Ty Karl has been a member of the Rose Mary Haggar PTA since joining
its staff in 2011. During his time at Rose Haggar, Ty has worked as
both a third and fourth grade teacher, assuming the role of fourth
grade’s team leader in 2013. Additionally, Ty serves as the co-chair
of the Integrated Vertical Team, leading programs such as Geography
Awareness Week, the Fire Prevention poster contest, and both History
and Science Fair. Ty also helps to organize an after-school mentoring
program for kids in need of additional assistance with their science fair
projects. Ty is extremely honored to accept the PTA Lifetime Member
Award this evening.
64
Shannon Macdonald
Shannon MacDonald has been volunteering at Rose Mary Haggar
Elementary since 2008 when her oldest of three children started
kindergarten. She began by volunteering in the library, cafeteria, and
doing materials. She also served as a room parent and on various
committees throughout the years. She first served on the board as
Student Service Coordinator working with the staff and the student
council. Shannon then was elected PTA president and is currently
serving her second year. She is a busy mom with three daughters in the
second, fourth, and fifth grades at RMH. Her three daughters are always
excited when they see mom helping out up at their school. Shannon has
enjoyed the years she has been a part of the PTA and is thankful for the
opportunity it has given her to serve the Rose Mary Haggar community.
Russ Melbye
Russ has been a dedicated PTA volunteer (Haggar Howdy, Movie
Night, Pizza Nights, Talent Shows, Open House) since 2009, when
his kids were in Kindergarten and first grade at Haggar; the same
year he was the founding member of the WatchDOGS program. The
WatchDOGS program revitalized the Haggar Dad’s Club which, over
the years, has increased the dad’s involvement in the PTA. The goal of
Russ’s involvement in PTA and WatchDOGS was to encourage dads
to become more involved in the lives of their great kid(s) and provide
additional support and safety to the Haggar campus. He says “Thank you
for this humbling award. In many ways it confirms those goals and, most
importantly, shows that we’ve positively impacted the lives of the kids”.
Russ has two kids, Natalie (5th Grade, Haggar) and Nick (6th Grade,
Frankford) and is married to their great mom Jeanine. Much credit
should be given to Haggar’s administration for their support, teacher’s
for their input and Jody Strong, Rich Matteson and many other dads, too
numerous to name, for their contributions.
Kathy Perkins
Kathy Perkins has been a member of PTA for 24 years - 14 years while
her daughters attended school in Plano and 10 years at Haggar. For the
past ten years she has taught at Rose Haggar Elementary, nine being
in fifth grade and the other in third grade. She has served as Team
Leader for four years and four years as IC Vertical Team Co-Chair. For
approximately seven years she has served as a member of Haggar’s SBIC
committee. In addition, she has enjoyed being a Student Council sponsor
for more than six years. She has written Social Studies Curriculum
for fifth grade and has led several different professional development
sessions. She has also served as a mentor for new teachers and a
member of the math vertical team. She has been married to Bill for 31
years. Both daughters graduated from Plano West High School. Lindsey
graduated from SMU from the Cox School of Business and is currently
self-employed as a journalist and social media specialist for businesses.
Emily graduated from Colorado College and works for Amazon
in Seattle. Kathy is extremely honored to accept the PTA Lifetime
Membership Award this evening.
65
“
“There is
incredible value
in being of
service
to others.”
Elizabeth Berg
Author
Darla Sanderson
Rose Mary Haggar presents Darla Sanderson with the Texas PTA Life
Membership Award. Darla comes from a family of educators and is
always looking for ways to support and encourage our teachers and
staff. She has volunteered in many capacities, including the mentoring
program, art displays, event decorations, preparing materials and teacher
appreciation. Darla is currently serving on the board as Hospitality
Chair. The past two years she has served as Teacher Liaison and worked
with the PTA to have the teachers’ lounge remodeled. Darla is married
to Michael and they are the parents of Stone (7th grade, Frankford MS),
Sterling (5th grade, Haggar). and Savannah (1st grade, Haggar).
Amy Taitel
“
Have you had a
kindness shown?
Pass it on;
‘Twas not given
for thee alone,
Pass it on;
Let it travel
Haggar Elementary is honored to present Amy Taitel with the Texas
PTA Life Membership Award. Amy has been a dedicated volunteer
at Haggar since 2006, when her oldest of three children entered
Kindergarten. Amy became involved and helped out so much that she
quickly became a person the PTA could depend on. Amy has served
on many committees including Teacher Appreciation committee, Spirit
Wear, Sock Hop, and the SPF committee, to name a few, and has been
behind the scenes in many PTA-sponsored children’s events over the
years. Amy has also served on the PTA board in several capacities,
including room representative, VP of Ways and Means, Grade level
Coordinator, and Spirit Wear chair. Amy is married to Lee and they
are the parents of Jeremy, a (7th grade, Frankford MS), Reiley (4th grade,
Haggar), and Corey (3rd grade, Haggar). Amy is also a PISD teacher and
PTA member at Mitchell Elementary.
HAUN ELEMENTARY
Cody Evans
Cody has been a member of PTA for six years. She has served as Rock
Hop Chair, Grade Level Coordinator, VP of Membership, Family Picnic
Chair, and is currently in her second year as PTA President. She has
Let it wipe
volunteered for Book Fair, Field Day, Hooray for Haun, and Room
another’s tears, Parent. Outside of Haun, Cody has been Deerfield Neighborhood’s
Social Coordinator for the past four years. She is the go-to person if
‘Til in Heaven the you want a solid opinion or need a little humor in your life. She can
deed appears – handle anything you throw her way and make it fabulous. Cody thshares
this honor with her husband, Austin, and their children Zoey (5
grade) and Harrison (3rd grade).
Pass it on.”
down the years,
Henry Burton,
Pass It On
Gina Fawcett
Gina has been a member of PTA for eleven years. She has served as VP of
Programs, Multicultural Night Chair, Rock Hop Chair and Cookie Dough
Fundraiser Chair. She has volunteered in everything from Room Parent to
Purple Cow Spirit Nights. Currently she is fifth grade Lead Room Parent
for the third time. She brings fun and laughter to everything she does and
has the unique ability to get others to step up and volunteer alongside her.
Gina shares this honor with her husband, Jim, and their children Samantha
(10th grade), Stephanie (7th grade) and James (5th grade).
66
Stacy Koch
Stacy has been a member of PTA for eight years. In her five years
at Haun, she has served as Multicultural Night Co-Chair, Marquee,
Parliamentarian, Book Fair Chair and is currently in her second year as VP
of Membership. Stacy has volunteered in the Library, Front Office, Work
Room, Room Parent, Field Day and Rock Hop Baskets. Outside of PTA,
Stacy has served as Girl Scout Troop Leader for both of her daughter’s
troops with one year as Cookie Mom. She is in her first year of National
Charity League with her eldest daughter. Stacy’s quiet demeanor is very
deceiving because she is one of the sweetest, funniest, and most creative
people. She is always full of awesome ideas and is constantly working on
something PTA related. Stacy shares this honor with her husband, Josh,
and their children Emily (7th grade) and Ellie (5th grade).
Candi Rains
Candi joined PTA in 1995, the first year she started teaching in Plano.
She came to Haun Elementary when it opened in 1997 and has taught
kindergarten, first and second grade. Currently, Candi is a kindergarten
teacher and team leader. She is passionate about making a difference in
the life of a child. Candi works tirelessly behind the scenes to create a
rich and extensive curriculum that meets all levels of academic needs.
She is the ideal teacher to start a child off on their path to years of
learning. Candi shares this honor with her husband, Derek, and her son
Conrad Jakova (6th grade).
“
Kindness, like
a boomerang,
always returns.”
Author Unknown
HIGHTOWER ELEMENTARY
Michelle Brubaker
Hightower Elementary PTA is overjoyed to present Michelle Brubaker
with the Texas PTA Life Membership Award. Over the years it seems
like Michelle could be found everywhere. She has served as the Science
Night Chairman, Art Night Chairman, Arts-in-Education/Reflections
Chairman, and Family Picnic Chairman. She has volunteered with fifth
grade Colonial days, fifth grade Choir chaperone, grade class parties,
Science Fair judge, and with Reflections. Michelle’s greatest asset is that
she enjoys planning events that bring people together. In addition to
all the work Michelle has done at Hightower, she’s also a Den Leader
for cub scouts, a volunteer for boy scouts, and shares her time helping
at the Seven Loaves Food Pantry. She loves camping, reading, church,
traveling, and work. Michelle is supported by her husband, Gary; John
and Mark (both age 12, 7th grade, Frankford MS) and Daniel (age 11, 5th
grade, Hightower). Hightower PTA is grateful to Michelle for all her
work and leadership.
Hilary Lamb
Hightower Elementary PTA is extremely excited to see Hilary Lamb
be awarded the Texas PTA Life Membership Award! She is a Special
Education Teacher at Hightower, where she has taught for 11 years.
Parents, teachers, administrators, and students have terrific things to say
about Mrs. Lamb. When there is an event or contest, you can always
expect to find Mrs. Lamb dressed up and leading her team to victory
67
or cheering on others! Inside the classroom Mrs. Lamb is a very caring
teacher who provides fantastic support to each and every student. Mrs.
Lamb says that her “heart is really working in the small group setting
with students with special needs.” Mrs. Lamb thanks her principal,
Mariea Sprott, and the team of passionate, dedicated woman who are so
supportive of special education and make her look forward to coming to
work each day at Hightower.
“
Laura White
Hightower Elementary has been Laura White’s home away from home
since the year 2000 when her oldest son, then a 4th grader, started at
Hightower. (He was at Jackson from 1st grade to 3rd grade where she first
volunteered as a Room Mom.) At Hightower, she immediately became
How can we
involved with the PTA as the Assistant to Nature Buddies Environmental
Group, as a Room Mom, and helped on the 50’s Fest Carnival and
expect our
Auction Committee. Over the years, Laura has varied experiences in
children to know PTA from that of a general volunteer in the many fun events such as
Bike Rodeo, Field Day, and Book Fair to the sedate such as Workroom,
and experience Hospitality, and Library. She is most willing to help in any way she
can! Laura has held many two-year term positions on the Hightower
the joy of giving PTA Board including Publicity Chair, School Store Chair, Room
Representatives Chair, Vice President of Volunteers, and President. Her
unless we teach favorite part of volunteering with the Hightower PTA is the personal
connection that she is able to establish with others including the
them that the
students, volunteers, and staff. Aside from Hightower, she also currently
greater pleasure holds positions on the Frankford PTA and the Plano ISD Council of
PTAs Boards. She previously volunteered at Shepton and Plano West
in life lies in the with the Wrestling Booster Club within PTSA. Remarkable to note
is that all four of her sons (ages 22-8) were Hightower Tigers! She is
art of giving
proud that she has been present and active as a PTA member and able
volunteer throughout their time at Hightower. Her wish is that they will
rather than
remember those years fondly. Laura has the loving encouragement from
her husband, Chris, and support from her four sons; Damion (Texas
receiving.”
A&M), Dexter (7th Grade), Darwin (5th Grade), and Dermot (3rd Grade).
James Cash
Penney (18751971); Founder
of J.C. Penney
Corporation
Leslie Williams
Leslie Williams would be the first to tell you that she doesn’t want an
award for her tireless work at Hightower Elementary, but those who
know her would assure you that she deserves it! Leslie is a longtime
PTA volunteer who is attentive and inclusive of the needs of all
Hightower children. On more than one occasion, when no one else
would step up to help out or lead, Leslie would! She has a fantastic “can
do” attitude that is contagious to other volunteers. Over the years Leslie
has served officially as 3rd VP of Ways and Means, on Budget Committee
as the Experienced Officer and Bank Statement Reviewer, as Book Fair
Chair, as Yearbook Chair and many other positions. Unofficially, she has
helped out with every position Hightower has. Leslie is quick to think of
a way over, under, around, or through any obstacle anyone faces. Leslie
isn’t afraid to work. While Chair of the Book Fair, not only did she
decorate and set-up, she also worked the event daily, held class tours,
and processed special orders. The most recognized image of Leslie is of
68
her with her camera in-hand. She makes herself known to the children
of Hightower and snaps pictures of the children at special events like the
Family Picnic, Bike Rodeo, Fit Kids, etc. Because Leslie takes the time to
do things like this, she makes all kids feel important. What an asset to
the Hightower PTA!
HUFFMAN ELEMENTARY
Jane Choppin
Mother Teresa said, “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of
love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” If that is true, then there is
not a parent, student, staff member or volunteer at Huffman Elementary
who has not received this beautiful gift of love from President, Jane
Choppin. Jane is the wife of Steve and mother of Emily, a 5th grader. She
has been involved in PTA since 2008 and has held numerous positions
including: Marquee, YO Volunteer, Homeroom Mom, Workroom
Volunteer, VP Volunteers, VP Communications and President. When
asked what advice she would offer to parents of school aged children,
Jane replied, “Don’t worry so much. Give your children the room to
learn, excel, and fail in their school career even starting in elementary
school. Volunteer at school when you can (we all know our schools
need us and appreciate the help!), but remember, we have a chance
to make the biggest impact in our children’s lives at home.” Huffman
Elementary PTA is grateful for and proud of the position impact that
Jane Choppin has made in leading and loving our community!
Rita Cunningham
“Kindness is more than deeds. It is an attitude, an expression, a look,
a touch. It is anything that lifts another person.” Though we don’t
know who made this statement, we do know who it describes: Rita
Cunningham, VP Programs. Rita emanates kindness at all times, in all
situations and with our entire community. Rita is the wife of Jim and
mother of Olivia (5th grade) and Spencer (3rd grade). Rita has been an
active PTA member since 2008 and has served in a variety of positions
-- Room Mom (for eight classes!), Grade Level Coordinator (twice!),
Chairman - Veterans Day/Citizenship Week, Chairman - Parent
Education, Chairman - After School Programs, and VP Programs. When
asked what insight she has attained, Rita responded, “I have learned
that all children are really special. They might come from different
backgrounds and live in different types of homes, but they all want to
learn and to be good. They all want to be noticed and complimented.
They all want to hear how good they are. Encouraging words go a long
way in helping a child believe in him/herself.” Huffman Elementary PTA is
grateful for Rita Cunningham’s service and thrilled to honor her with this
deserving recognition.
“
Everybody can
be great. Because
anybody can
serve. You don’t
have to have a
college degree to
serve. You don’t
have to make
your subject
and your verb
agree to serve....
You don’t have
to know the
second theory of
thermodynamics
in physics to
serve. You only
need a heart full
of grace. A soul
generated
by love.”
Martin Luther
King, Jr.
69
MITCHELL ELEMENTARY
Lisa Baxter
“
Only those
who dare to fail
greatly can ever
achieve greatly.”
Robert Kennedy
Mitchell Elementary PTA is proud to present Lisa Baxter with the
Texas PTA Life Membership Award for her continuing service to our
school and students. Lisa has been a PTA member for eight years. In
those eight years, she has held various positions such as President,
VP of Volunteers, School Store, and Calendar/Media. She also served
on the Frankford Middle School board, Arts Education. Lisa has done
many things to help improve the lives of the students at Mitchell. She
worked tirelessly with Mitchell staff to provide equipment for the new
fitness room at the school. She had several meetings with Mitchell staff
in order to understand their vision for this room as an expansion of the
fitness curriculum. She visited other schools to see what was needed for
the room, requested donations, collected donated items, and shopped
for items that were not donated in order to make sure the room was
ready to be used by all Mitchell students. This room is now a favorite of
both students and staff alike, and it would not have come into existence
without her work. Lisa understands that helping students at Mitchell is
important, but also recognizes that many students at other schools in our
community are in need of assistance. In turn, she was so excited to add a
Community Outreach chair position to the Mitchell board. Families and
staff at Mitchell have now participated in hygiene kit drives, and canned
food drives that have benefited students at other Plano ISD campuses.
Mitchell students have also created crafts to be shared with local nursing
homes, children’s hospitals, soldiers overseas, and even the community
of Newtown, CT. Teaching students to reach beyond themselves and
help others in need has been a powerful lesson for the Mitchell students.
Lisa strives to do all she can to provide the best experience possible for
the children at Mitchell, and in a more limited capacity, for the children
throughout PISD. She is cognizant of the changing demographics at our
school and in our community and goes above and beyond to make sure
the Mitchell board works to meet the needs of all students. She works
wonderfully with staff at Mitchell, and because of this has been able
to improve the educational experience of students at Mitchell as well
as students at other schools. Lisa also is truly appreciative to all who
volunteer, especially the members of the PTA board, and knows how
precious giving of “our time” is — there is no price tag you can place on
that. She always ensures recognition is given to all board members as well
as all volunteers. She made a point to take the time to apply for Plano ISD
Council of PTAs Outstanding PTA Award to highlight all the great things
accomplished, as well as honor the recognition of the board, volunteers
and our school. Mitchell did receive Outstanding PTA Gold Award. Lisa
shares this honor with her husband, Don, and sons, Carter and Blake.
Kyle Jenkins
Kyle Jenkins has been the Music Teacher at Mitchell Elementary for the
past eleven years. During this time he has organized and led all of the
music programs and performances for all grade levels. Kyle consistently
brings a smile to the students through his love of music and instills it in
the students. Kyle is always striving to stay on the cutting edge of the
music industry by collaborating with other Plano ISD music departments.
70
He also attends yearly music conferences to further his love of music
and to pass this on to the students. He is a true supporter of the arts!
He has been a loyal member of the Mitchell PTA for eleven years.
During his time at Mitchell he was recognized as Teacher of the Year!
The Mitchell PTA is honored to award Texas PTA Life Membership
to him this year! Kyle shares this honor with his wife, Maureen, and
daughter, Caroline.
Susanne Kirk
Susanne Kirk is not only a Mitchell Elementary teacher, she is also a
former Mitchell Elementary parent. Susanne has been a PTA member
for 16 years. As a parent, she held various PTA positions such as Room
Parent and Grade Level Coordinator. As a teacher, Susanne has always
been a very strong supporter of the Mitchell PTA. She served as Second
Grade Team Lead for many years before moving to Third Grade this
year. Susanne has been an excellent teacher and an asset to Mitchell
for the past eleven years. She is an advocate for children and works
tirelessly before school, during lunch and after school to help those
students who need extra help. Susanne is an excellent role model for
the students and parents at Mitchell. When called upon to step up to
In order to
do what the PTA needs her to do, she has always been ready to lend a
hand. Susanne and her triplets, who are graduating college this year, have succeed, we must
volunteered for many years in the community. Some of their favorite
first believe that
projects were volunteering at Plano Presbyterian Hospital, Habitat for
Humanity and Friday Night Friends. Both Susanne and her husband, Cain,
we can.”
currently volunteer in their church nursery.
“
Nikos
WYATT ELEMENTARY
Kazantzakis
Gillian Adey
Wyatt Elementary is honored to present Gillian Adey with the Texas
PTA Life Membership Award. Gillian is by far one of our most hilarious
and boisterous volunteers. She has volunteered in a variety of positions
and especially enjoys volunteering in the library and office. She has served
as library coordinator, library volunteer, book fair volunteer, and is
currently the office coordinator. She is an essential part of coordinating
the Kindergarten Roundup each year, making sure that all of our
volunteers are well organized. Gillian is such a pleasure to be around and
her joyous approach to every job she works on is contagious, making
her a delight to work with. Gillian is married to Matt and they are the
parents of Trevor (7th grade, Rice) and Olivia (5th grade, Wyatt).
Bet1h Cluff
Wyatt Elementary is honored to present Beth Cluff with the Texas PTA
Life Membership Award. Beth has been a teacher at Wyatt for 11 years,
having taught previously at Hightower and Miller Elementaries in Plano.
Beth is known at Wyatt as a kind, nurturing teacher who really believes
in being a part of her students’ lives; she attends many games and
dance recitals of her students. Beth has taught in first grade previously
at Wyatt and is currently teaching in second grade. Beth revels in the
growth her young students make, especially teaching them to read! Her
71
face lights up just like her students’ faces when they learn something
new. Beth has attended all PTA events over the years and enjoys her
relationship with the Wyatt families.
Christa Holland
“
Unity is
strength...
Wyatt Elementary is honored to present Christa Holland with the Texas
PTA Life Membership Award. Christa is a constant and reliable presence
around the Wyatt campus. She is the most organized and energetic
leader; a virtual PTA CEO! She has been a dedicated volunteer at Wyatt
for many years and has served in many different capacities. She has been
grade level coordinator, room parent multiple times and coordinated
many fundraisers, including our Spring Fling event for the past three
years. Christa has been vital in bringing in quality programs to Wyatt,
as well as spearheading our “going online” plan for the Wyatt PTA.
Christa has also served on the PTA board in several capacities, including
President for two years, VP of Volunteers, and most recently is the
current VP of Programs. Her ability to organize people and events shines
in all that she does. Christa is married to Steve and they are the parents
of Rachel, who just graduated from the University of Missouri, Taylor
(6th grade, Rice) and Lauren (4th grade, Wyatt).
Amy Taylor
Wyatt Elementary is honored to present Amy Taylor with the Texas PTA
Life Membership Award. Amy has been a teacher at Wyatt Elementary
teamwork and since their doors opened in 2000. Amy has taught for 27 years, having also
taught in Garland and at Sheppard Elementary in Plano previously. Amy
collaboration,
began teaching third grade at Wyatt where she was the team leader, and
is currently serving as the team leader for fifth grade. Amy is dedicated
wonderful things to the success of many events that require a lot of PTA participation to
be successful, such as, Colonial Day, City of Lights, Graduation and Luau.
can be achieved.”
Amy continually strives to do her best for her students, parents and
Mattie Stepanek teammates, helping make fifth grade the best year ever.
when there is
FRANKFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL
Amy Dudley
Frankford PTA is very proud to honor Amy Dudley with the 2013 Texas
PTA Life Membership Award. Amy has been a dedicated teacher in Plano
ISD with 31 years of teaching experience and a loyal Frankford Falcon,
having taught seventh grade Math and Honors Math since Frankford MS
opened in 1998. Additionally, she has been an academic team leader
throughout her career. Amy is also a strong supporter and sponsor of
the tennis club and was the school’s tennis coach for many years. Amy
challenges and inspires her students to achieve in school and to strive to
do their very best. Although hindered by a shoulder injury, when Amy is
not teaching she would like to be on the tennis courts. As a Baylor Bear
through and through, she has inspired many students to follow a path to
higher education. Thank you for taking such good care of our children,
helping them achieve, encouraging them to be responsible, and getting
them ready for future challenges!
72
Debbi Epstein
Frankford PTA recognizes Debbi Epstein, one of the founding teachers
at Frankford Middle school, for the 2013 Texas PTA Life Membership
Award. Debbi has dedicated 22 years teaching middle school children
the ins and outs of the science curriculum. She has taught at Frankford
Middle School since it opened, teaching seventh grade regular science
and honors science for the past 16 years. Additionally, she is the
Gyrfalcon team leader and Science Fair Coordinator for our school.
Debbi has touched many young students’ lives; whether it be passing
her passion for science onto them or teaching those critically important
skills of keeping an organized notebook, we, parents, are thankful for her
commitment. Her enthusiasm and dedication to education continues not
only as an educator but as a lifelong learner, as, even today, she is back
in school studying Physics. When Debbi is not teaching or walking the
halls of FMS she is in her garden or participating in some other outdoor
activity. Thank you, Debbi, for your dedication!
Alisa Makler
Alisa Makler has earned this year’s Texas PTA Life Membership award
for her dedication and support of the Frankford MS PTA. This past year,
Alisa initiated a shoe and clothing recycling program at our school. From
inception to completion, this new venture was a challenge. This program
gets people to recognize a better way to leave a smaller footstep behind
by recycling and renewing worn out items instead of just throwing them
away. Not only has this new recycling program been an educational
journey for many, adults and students have learned how one’s trash
can be another’s treasure, it has also been profitable for our PTA.
Alisa, a mother of three with two at FMS, has also been very involved
on the Rose Mary Haggar PTA board, and worked with seventh grade
children at her place of worship. Thank you again, Alisa, for helping make
Frankford’s PTA the very best.
Elizabeth Satz
Elizabeth Satz is an involved and willing Frankford Middle School PTA
contributor. She is our current Hospitality Chair who goes above and
beyond to make the teacher/staff luncheons extra special. Elizabeth can
always be counted on to help as a reliable and enthusiastic volunteer
who will jump in to assist whenever needed. Elizabeth also works as a
substitute teacher at FMS. She is highly respected, extremely capable,
and well liked among both students and teachers and always gives
students the direction and support they need, no matter the subject
matter. Elizabeth has both an 8th grader at FMS and a 5th grader at
Hightower Elementary. For many years, she has volunteered and
supported that PTA as well. Additionally, Elizabeth is involved with her
daughter’s dance studio, her son’s lacrosse organization, and her place of
worship. Thank you again, Elizabeth, for all that you do for FMS.
73
“
“You have to
make it happen.”
Denis Diderot
RENNER MIDDLE SCHOOL
Kristen Harner
It seems to be a course that we could all say we mastered. We all speak
it and use it in our daily lives but there is much more to English than just
speaking the language. We also need to be able to write it! This is where
Mrs. Harner excels. She is an inspiration to our children and she teaches
them in a way that makes them want to learn. She always has a smile
on her face and a bounce in her step and the students feed off of her
excitement and joy of teaching. She cares for her students beyond the
classroom and they know it and want to share their successes with her.
We are so lucky to have Mrs. Harner inspiring our children and teaching
them to be their best by always setting the bar high and exemplifying
how a positive attitude can bring about success.
Evelyn Martinez
“
“Kindness has a
beautiful way of
reaching down
into a weary
Mrs. Martinez is the face of Renner MS and has been there several
years. She is most likely the first person you see upon entering
the building and the last person you see before leaving. Luckily for
everyone, she has a smile on her face and a good demeanor when
working with the students and parents in our community. The PTA can
always depend on her to help us with whatever we may need. She is
instrumental in getting the entire staff to join the PTA, she helps with
the birthday cake choices and distribution, she assists when it comes
to decals and yard signs and most importantly- she guides us in the
right direction when we are lost. For always being someone the PTA
can count on, we want to thank Mrs. Martinez.
heart and making
it shine like the
rising sun.”
ROBINSON MIDDLE SCHOOL
Trudy Kembel
Trudy Kembel has been an invaluable volunteer at Daffron Elementary
Author Unknown and Robinson MS for nine years. She has been a Lead Room Parent,
Spirit Wear Chair for three years, Office Coordinator, Room Parent
Coordinator, Teacher Workroom Coordinator, Library Coordinator,
Bike Rodeo, field trips and so much more. At Robinson, she has been
the Chair for School Supplies for the past three years. She is also
currently serving the Shelton Parents Association on the Auction
Committee and is a sixth grade Liaison. In fact, Trudy has volunteered
tirelessly through the years while working full time at Ericcson 60+
hours per week. While juggling a demanding job that keeps up with
current technology, she coordinates projects across the world and
never skips a beat. She is organized beyond belief and never waivers in
her work or family life. Trudy is blessed with a talent to find complete
balance in her life, always giving her family top priority. She exemplifies
the meaning of putting others before oneself. In the past, Trudy has
been a member of the Lubbock Junior League where she volunteered
countless hours to underprivileged children and children with medical
needs. She is very involved in church activities including Summer
Vacation Bible School Teacher, and Youth Group and Sunday School
volunteer. We congratulate Trudy in this well-deserved honor of the
Texas PTA Life Membership Award. She shares this honor with her
husband, Ray, and her sons Grayson (14) and Garrett (12).
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Glenn Silva
Glenn Silva has been the illustrious and gregarious President of the Dads
Club at Robinson Middle School for the last two years, and has been
involved with Dad’s Club for over six years. He is a champion recruiter
of Dads and has made the Dads Club an integral part of every aspect of
Robinson Middle School. He currently serves Robinson on the SBIC and
has for two years. He is also involved with the Student Mentor Program.
Glenn has been an active PTA member and volunteer for 12 years. He
has also been involved at Daffron Elementary for a myriad of activities
including: Bike Rodeo, field trips, Carnival, and so much more. Even
though he works full time, he has never failed to make time to volunteer
or speak about Dads Club whenever he can. With two very active
daughters, Glenn still finds time to reach out in his community. He is an
active member of St. Andrew United Methodist Church. Glenn serves
on several committees there in addition to being very involved with
the church Confirmation Program. He is also active on four different
Real Estate Boards. As you can see, Glenn has a real passion for helping
others, and is always looking to help children around him. We will miss
him greatly at Robinson, but we know he will keep up his great work at
Jasper High School. We are proud to honor Glenn with the Texas PTA
Life Member ship Award. Glenn celebrates this honor with his wife, Lori
(a Texas PTA Life Membership recipient in 2010) and his daughters,
Kristen (16) and Megan (14).
Titia Sivils
Titia Sivils has been an incredible volunteer over the last nine years at
Haun Elementary School and Robinson Middle School. She has served
in the following areas at Haun: Room Parent every year, Fifth Grade
Coordinator, Newcomer Chair for two years, in charge of Field Day
for three years, Art Room, Spirit Wear Chair, Fifth Grade Celebration,
and so much more. Titia is currently our VP of Volunteers at Robinson,
and is now completing her third and final year at our school. She is an
active Board Member and is always looking out for the best interest of
our students and faculty. Her days often start before the sun comes up
as she passionately helps others push for their goals. For nine years, she
has been a Personal Trainer, so it is of no surprise that she served Haun
on the Health and Wellness Committee. Her smile is contagious and
she always has a positive energy surrounding her. As an energetic mom
of an active son, she also finds time to reach out in her community to
help others. Titia volunteers each month at the International Student
Foundation and also gives of her time to My Friends House (a branch
of City House), Wipe Out Kids Cancer, Plano Santas, and Frisco Family
Services. She has also volunteered for five years in her church Awana
Program. She has a heart of gold. Congratulations, Titia! You are so
deserving of this honor of the Texas PTA Life Membership Award. Titia
celebrates this honor with her husband, David and her son, Camden (13).
Mark Wilczynski
Mark Wilczynski began teaching at Robinson Middle School in 2005.
He started as a science teacher and athletic coach and by 2010, he was
promoted to Athletic Director. He is a great example to the other
coaches in many ways. He is kind, funny, a good listener, a warm family
75
“
Always do your
best. What you
plant now,
you will
harvest later.”
Og Mandino
“
“We shall never
know all the
good that a
simple smile
can do.”
Mother Teresa
man and he always remains calm, even during tough game situations! He
is not a yeller! It is rare to have someone as gentle and patient as Coach
Wilczynski and many parents are so grateful for the positive athletic
experience that kids have at Robinson. His appreciation for PTA is never
wavering and he is always reminding parents how much the coaches
depend on PTA and their volunteers. Mark is currently serving on
Robinson’s SBIC Committee and is a Cultural Competency Facilitator,
as well as being a chair on the Wellness Committee. Mark continues
to strive for the best in all that he does in life. He is finishing up his last
class for his Masters Degree and is also working on his Administrative
Certification. If that doesn’t keep Mark busy enough, he is a very active
family man with a beautiful and supportive wife and two young sons, with
a third child on the way in June. He is a great role model for his boys
and loves to teach them the proper techniques in throwing a football.
Mark is an invaluable staff member and coach at Robinson, and we are
proud to honor him with the Texas PTA Life Membership Award. Mark
shares this honor with his wife, Tiffany, and his sons Peyton (5), and
Logan (3) and new baby on the way. Congratulations Mark!
JASPER HIGH SCHOOL
Laura-Jane Barber
Laura-Jane has been teaching in Plano for nine years. She has split her
time between Shepton and Jasper in the past and now teaches full time
at Jasper. She has hosted several clubs and committees at Jasper and
participates in various running events that benefit organizations including
the Arbor Day 10K and Plano ISD Education Foundation’s Thrill of the
Grill 5K. She is an excellent teacher and the Jasper students learn a lot
from her!
Nancy Delameter
Nancy started volunteering in 2008 at Gulledge Elementary as a
front office volunteer and has had various PTA volunteer positions at
Robinson MS, Jasper HS and Plano West HS. She helps with special
events (like picture day), is a copy mom, library volunteer, attendance
volunteer and helps in the front office. She currently is the Reflections
Chair at Jasper. She is in charge of Game Day Meals for the Football
Booster Club. She has been a great volunteer to various schools for the
past six years! She has been married 24 years and has two sons, Trey
(Plano West) and Jake (Jasper).
Sandra Franklin
Sandy has been in education for eleven years. She began her teaching
career in Louisiana teaching math in a middle school for six years. She
taught at Jasper for two years in the math department. She is currently
in her second year as an Academic Specialist serving 504 and CMIT
students. She serves on several committees at work and volunteers at
church in Sunday school with projects such as Bed Start and Vacation
Bible School. Ms. Franklin is a wonderful educator and an asset to Jasper
HS and our community!
76
SHEPTON HIGH SCHOOL
Ryan Bryson
Ryan Bryson is a master teacher who truly inspires students to learn one
of our most rigorous subjects. He uses his creativity to create exciting
lessons and experiments, making the learning in his classroom both
meaningful and fun. He goes out of his way to create video tutorials
for all of his Chemistry students and sends out weekly updates to the
parents, telling them how they can help their students be successful. He
is a fun, high-energy, and most importantly, effective Chemistry teacher
who is determined to make sure all students learn and flourish.
PLANO WEST SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Kesha Banks
Kesha Banks graduated from the University of California at Santa
Barbara with a BS degree in Chemistry in 1991. She was the first winner
of the Rohm and Haas Undergraduate Research Award in Chemistry in
1991. In 1993 she began her teaching career in the Los Angeles Unified
School District where she taught eighth grade science and high school
Great works are
chemistry. This is when she first joined PTA in California. She became
active as a parent in the California PTA in 2003 and 2004, where she
performed not by
was a teacher helper and chaperone for field trips. Later, she joined the
Texas PTA when her family relocated to Pearland, TX where she helped
strength but by
during school events at Silverlake Elementary and Rogers Middle School.
perseverance.”
After moving to Plano in 2010, she joined the Brinker Elementary PTA
family, participated in the VIP tutoring program, and was the Reflections
Samuel Johnson
chair from 2011-2013. Currently she is a Home Room Rep at Brinker.
While at Shepton, she served on the SBIC for two years. At Plano West,
she has been the VP of Volunteers for two years now. In addition, she
is one of the front office moms at West and helps during big events.
She understands her responsibilities and goes to great lengths to make
sure they are performed at the highest level. She is married to Thomas
McLeod and they have three daughters; Alexa – a senior at Plano West,
and Krista and Kira (5th graders, Brinker).
“
Lee Ann Begis
Lee Ann Begis graduated from the University of North Texas. She has
a BSE in Marketing Education, and a Family Consumer Science Degree.
She also has her master’s degree in Secondary Education. Lee Ann has
been a teacher for 26 years. She taught Marketing and Entrepreneurship
at Duncanville High School for two years. After teaching at Duncanville,
she came to PISD and continued teaching Marketing for the next 19
years. For the past five years, she has taught the Education and Training
Program at Plano West Senior High. She coordinates field site locations
in the West Cluster elementary schools, and supervises high schools
students at these locations. She also started the Holiday of Dreams
Program which serves our most needy families in West Plano. The
Texas Association of Future Teachers club was also started by Lee
Ann. According to her students and co-workers, Lee Ann has the best
intentions for her students, and is always looking out for and supporting
77
them. She is married to David and has a daughter, Ashlee, who plays
softball at University of Texas at Tyler. She also has a son, Brandon, who
plays soccer for Plano West and the Dallas Texans.
Larry Farnen
“
Work hard,
be kind, and
amazing things
will happen.”
Conan O’Brien
Larry Farnen served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marines for 24 and
1/2 years. He entered the Marine Corps in 1971 while a freshman at
TCU in Fort Worth and was later commissioned a Second Lieutenant
when he graduated from TCU in 1974. After retiring from the Marine
Corps, he enrolled at the University of North Texas and completed
requirements for his teaching certification and later graduated with his
Master’s degree in Education and Administration. Mr. Farnen began
teaching fourth grade at Brinker Elementary in January, 1997 and later
served as a Principal Intern at Gulledge, Aldridge, and Miller Elementary
Schools before moving to the secondary level as the Administrative
Intern at Murphy MS. He joined the Plano West Team in 2006 as an
Assistant Principal and is the Sub-School Team Leader. According to his
co-workers, he is a team player, and will always go the extra mile for
everyone around him. Those he works with also say that he is always
willing to look at different angles and suggestions to collaborate and
to figure out what’s best for the Plano West students and campus. Mr.
Farnen has two adult children, Philip and Amanda.
Rhonda Smith
Rhonda Smith has her Bachelor’s degree in English and Secondary
Education. Her Master’s Degree is in Educational Administration.
Rhonda started teaching Speech and Debate at Clark HS in 1999 where
she was head of her department. In 2009, she moved to Plano West
to start teaching Debate. She is a member of National Forensic League
and has had the honor of being a two diamond coach. She hosts a highly
competitive Speech tournament each year where people from all over
the state come to debate. She received an outstanding educator award
from the University of Chicago this year. She has also been a Who’s
Who outstanding educator, but the success of her students, both in
high school and upon graduation is the accolade that she values most.
She has so much school spirit and is constantly encouraging students to
make the Wolfpack proud. She works hours after school several times
a week and spends her weekends with her students as well. Her impact
as an educator and coach can be seen in the impressive achievements
of her students. She has a wonderful rapport with students, colleagues,
and parents alike and strong “people” skills which show in all her
professional dealings. Last but not least, she is involved in community
service projects through First Baptist in Melissa. She has been married
for 23 years and has two daughters. The oldest has graduated from
college and the other just started college.
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Thank you for Partnering with us!
Sincere thanks to the following PTAs for your supportive donations. Your
sponsorship donations provided ten of our PTAs the opportunity to attend
the Life Membership Award banquet and honor deserving volunteers.
Campus Donation
Schimelpfenig Middle School…one banquet table donation
Banquet Table Donations
Schimelpfenig Middle School PTA
Hightower Elementary School PTA
Murphy Middle School PTA
Plano East Senior High PTSA
Otto Middle School PTA
Banquet Ticket Donations
Stinson Elementary School PTA
Shepton High School PTSA
Hendrick Middle School PTA
Jasper High School PTSA
Award Certificates and Pins Donation
Hendrick Middle School PTA
79
2013-2014 Plano ISD Council of PTAs
Officers
President
1st VP-Aide
3rd VP-Membership
4th VP-Volunteers
5th VP-Communications
Treasurer
Secretary
Historian
Rhonda Snyder
Penny Chapman
Angela S. King
Laura White
Frances Fass
Amy Nelson
Becky Byrley
Susan Svidlow
Chairmen
Arts in Education
Community Outreach
Cultural Diversity
Directory
Early Childhood
Environmental
Leadership Mentor
Legislative
Newsletter
Publicity
SAGE
Ways & Means
Website
Dawn Thompson
Amanda Driscoll
Magdalena Lee
Suzy de Silva
Denice Burke
Nancy Casillas
Erica Johnson
Ken Gagliano
Kelley Thomas
Frances Fass
Michele Mecca
Brandi Hatley
Pam Spooner
Special Committees
Academy PTSA Mentor
Community Liaison
Tamra Sadafsaz
Graciela Katzer
District Representatives
Administration Karla Oliver, Communications
Early Childhood Kris Benson, Isaacs
Elementary Stefanie Ramos, Wells
Middle School Lisa Long, Hendrick
High School Dr. Kary Cooper, Jasper
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The Plano ISD Council of PTAs would like
to thank the following sponsors for their
generous support of our Life Member Banquet.
David L. Downs, CFP CASL ChFC CLU
Retirement Planning Specialist
http://www.daviddowns.com/
AXA Advisors, LLC
400 Chisholm Place, Ste 215,, Plano, TX 75075
PH: (O) 469-429-9292 - (M) 214-454-6022 - (F) 972-755-4916
http://www.axa-equitable.com/
2014
Life Membership Awards Banquet
Celebrating the Royalty of Plano ISD
Recipients of Texas PTA Life Membership
and Extended Service Awards
Thank you so much for attending and celebrating with us tonight!
See you next year!
Plano ISD Council of PTAs