A Season of Gratitude, Transition, and a Call to Our Community

As my two terms leading the Southampton Township PTA draw to a close, I find myself looking back with a heart full of gratitude and a strong sense of shared pride. These past years have been a journey, not just for our PTA, but for the spirit of our community. Together, we’veseen what’s possible when people unite with a common purpose: to support our children, uplift our schools, and strengthen the bonds between us.

This year alone, your incredible generosity helped our Read-a-thon break records, raising an amazing $14,000 – funds that go directly into enriching programs and experiences for our students. Our hospitality efforts grew into a year-round appreciation for our remarkable school staff, making sure they know how much we value their dedication. Traditions like Field Day became true celebrations of community joy, and our revived Holiday Shop gave our students a special opportunity to experience the joy of giving.

Even when our district faced the challenge of three superintendents in two and a half years, our PTA community remained a steady, unifying force. We launched streamed Board of Education meetings to ensure every family could stay informed and involved. We expanded our outreach to support families when they needed it most. And our newly launched school supply program, currently in full swing for the upcoming academic year, is already easing the back-to-school rush, allowing parents to conveniently order supplies that will be delivered directly to their student's desk.

We were also honored to join the Southampton Township Education Association (STEA) for their inspiring 4th Annual Spring Community Night – we deeply respect their work. And after much heartfelt advocacy and vital community dialogue, we helped secure the hard-won passage of a $14 million referendum—a historic first for our town on its initial attempt—that will benefit Southampton students for generations.

Behind the scenes, we worked to build a stronger foundation for the PTA's future. We brought our operations into a new digital era with Google Workspace for Nonprofits, launched our website at stpta.org, and formed a Communications Committee to keep families connected. Recognizing the diverse interests and needs within our community, we also established new focus areas. Our Environmental Committee, for example, is dedicated to fostering a love for our natural surroundings while also highlighting the vital role of agriculture in our township, connecting with our farming heritage and supporting our local producers. Alongside this, we initiated efforts to ensure all voices within our school community are heard and that every family feels welcomed, valued, and an integral part of our PTA family. These weren't just operational tweaks; they were investments in our future – in fostering growth, strengthening connections, and ensuring our PTA effectively serves every student and family.

None of this would have been possible without the extraordinary people who poured their hearts into our mission. Faith Lynch truly revolutionized our fundraising, making assemblies and student events possible that once seemed out of reach. Regina Hamara, our Vice President and incoming President, has been a true force of nature—revitalizing our hospitality and recreation efforts while also extending our PTA's reach through her county-level involvement. And Colleen Riker—our steadfast Treasurer, our go-to historian, our calm problem-solver—was the quiet engine keeping everything on track. As her youngest heads to BCIT, her dedication leaves a legacy that will inspire us for years.

For me, leading the PTA has always been about welcoming parents back into the life of our schools—not just as onlookers, but as partners and champions for our kids. I was fortunate to work alongside Superintendent Megan Geibel and Principals Michelle Henry and Kristine Bertulis, who embraced this vision and opened their doors to our involvement. Together, we revitalized parent volunteering, from lunchroom helpers to event coordinators, proving again that our schools are strongest when the community walks through their doors.

I’ve also been endlessly inspired by others who serve our children with such devotion. Sharon Roseboro—mentor, friend, who brilliantly leads our local PTA’s Reflections program even while serving with such poise as President of the NJPTA—carries Southampton’s values to the state level. Jenn Buscemi and Jessica Bauman, whose dedicated leadership revived the Booster Club and built it into the vital pillar of school spirit it is today, show what can be done with heart and hustle. Denielle Hickman, leading STRA, has built powerful bridges between school and sports, enriching every child’s experience. And Matt Uszaki has been a vital voice, bringing the PTA’s work to our local businesses and inviting them to join our cause. Carrying the spirit and lessons learned here in Southampton, I've also been privileged to advocate for children and families at the state level, always with our community's values as my guide.

While my time as President is concluding, my commitment to our PTA and our children remains as strong as ever. I am thrilled and honored to be stepping into the role of Vice President next year, and I eagerly look forward to supporting our fantastic incoming President, Regina Hamara, and working alongside all of our dedicated volunteers in this new capacity. This transition is an exciting new chapter, and it reinforces how much we can achieve as a team.