[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 58 (Tuesday, April 4, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E436-E437]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN RECOGNITION OF THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA PTAS AND PTSAS

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 4, 2017

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the 2017 Northern 
Virginia District PTA Annual Award recipients. Parent Teacher 
Associations (PTAs) and Parent Teacher Student Associations (PTSAs) in 
Northern Virginia serve a critical role in helping to provide the best 
possible educational environment for our students.
  The Northern Virginia District PTA represents a region with more than 
220 schools. Maintaining a healthy and strong organization is an 
important part of allowing these groups to have the greatest possible 
impact on the students they serve. To encourage such strength, it is 
important to note the individual PTAs and PTSAs that excel in this 
mission as well as the individual Volunteers of the Year.
  I am pleased to congratulate the following PTAs, PTSAs, and 
individuals on being recognized by the Northern Virginia District PTA 
for their immeasurable contributions to the education of our children:
  NOVA District PTA Elementary School Volunteer of the Year Finalists: 
Laura Allen, Camelot ES PTA; Eileen Gorman, Hollin Meadows ES PTA; 
Julie Shepard, Springfield Estates ES PTA;
  NOVA District Secondary School Volunteer of the Year Finalists: 
Phyllis Lovett, Fairfax High School PTSA; Monique Roberts, Franklin 
Middle School PTA; Michele Buschman, Lake Braddock Secondary School 
PTSA; Martha Coleman, Mount Vernon High School PTSA;
  NOVA District PTA Outstanding Administrators of the Year Finalists: 
Principal David Jagels, Centreville High School PTSA; Principal Chuck 
Miller, Mark Twain Middle School PTA; Assistant Principal Michelle 
Taylor, Oakton High School PTSA; Principal Evan Glazer, Thomas 
Jefferson High School for Science & Technology PTSA; and Principal 
Larry Aiello, Parklawn Elementary School PTA;
  Outstanding Elementary PTA of the Year: Annandale Terrace Elementary 
School PTA;
  Outstanding Secondary PTSA of the Year: Annandale High School PTSA;
  Outstanding Educator of the Year: Leslie Smith, Weyanoke Elementary 
School PTA;
  Outstanding School Staff Member of the Year: Judith Edwards, Lake 
Braddock Secondary School PTSA;
  Virginia PTA 100 percent Membership Award Recipients: McKinley 
Elementary School PTA; Nottingham Elementary School PTA; and
  Virginia PTA Advanced Dues Membership Award: Reston Montessori School 
PTA.
  A special note of appreciation is extended to Debbie Kilpatrick, NOVA 
District Director, Jeff Wright, Asst. District Director, Denise Bolton, 
District Secretary-Treasurer, along with honored speakers Nathan 
Monell, National PTA Executive Director, Lorraine Hightower, 2016 VA 
PTA Child Advocate, and Donna Colombo, VA PTA Vice President of 
Membership. Lastly, I commend the following Northern Virginia District 
PTA Executive Board Members for their support and dedication: Ron 
Henderson, Advocacy Chair; Michelle Leete, Communications Chair; Mike 
Woltz, Diversity Outreach Chair; Judy Dioquino, Events Chair; Cathy 
Petrini, Reflections Chair; Patricia Franck, Special Projects Chair; 
Charles Britt, STEM Special Committee; Ramona Morrow, VA PTA Family 
Engagement Chair; Joy Cameron, Alexandria City Council PTA President; 
Chris Ditta, Arlington County Council PTA President; and Kimberly 
Adams, Fairfax County Council PTA President.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in recognizing the 
outstanding

[[Page E437]]

achievements of the individuals and the PTA/PTSA organizations being 
recognized. Dedicated involvement from so many parents reflects a 
strong commitment to public education and community service that 
students in our schools are fortunate to experience. I offer my strong 
support for these organizations and their dedicated volunteers.

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