As I close out my term as your 2005–2007 national president, I naturally think back to the many wonderful experiences I’ve had representing our organization. I remember so many special moments. I remember not only the smiling, excited faces of the children I met all across the country, but also the look of pride and satisfaction I saw on the faces of so many PTA leaders.

When I reflect on why I became so involved in PTA, I remember thinking that leading the effort to make the world a better place for children and families seemed like a very good use of my time. It still is. There are few better ways to show your children that you care about their future than to become a PTA leader.

Children never forget the things we do for them. I don’t mean buying them that new pair of sneakers they wanted or letting them go to a slumber party for the first time. I mean the special moments we spent with them, the confidences we shared with them, the fact that we were at every one of their school plays or baseball games. They remember that we were involved—that we really cared about them.

Please take advantage of the many opportunities PTA has to help you become a strong leader in your school and community. Thank you for being the best PTA leader you can be and allowing me to serve you.