"What can I say.  There are no words that come to mind when I reflect about the convention in Kona. For me, it was not my first convention but a very special one because I am from Kona and it was an opportunity for me to spend some time with my Ohana after the convention, which was terrific. My dad and couple of my bros are back there so it was so appropriate with the message delivered by Dr. Pearsall. His presentation was the best that I have seen about the Ohana. In looking at the agenda, I really was thinking what can a college professor tell us about Ohana. Boy was I wrong on that matter. I was just sorry that more people did not get to experience his message and hula dancers, fantastic. I don't think there was a dry eye in the audience. I keep thinking of words like, networking, sharing, assuring, wonderful, inspiring, humbling, tear jerking, refreshing, manly man, fantastic and these are just some of the words to express my appreciation and much aloha for the work that Christy Aragon and her committee put on not to mention that she had a personal loss right before the convention and perhaps her heart and thoughts may not have always been with the details of the convention and making sure that everyone was taken care but please relay to her my aloha and appreciation on behalf of the Kawananakoa Middle School PTSA and our Ohana for a job well done."

"What I enjoyed about the convention this year was the workshops.  Even though this is my third convention, and I have heard some of the same things before, it was great to hear it again to strengthen my passion and reconfirm the conviction.  I loved the Dr. who spoke on Sunday.  The tools he gave us were tools for life, not just for PTA agenda.  I really needed to hear what he had to say and I'm sure it will help me in all facets.  I think Linda Hodge and John Friedman are very effective speakers.  I suggest we get people like them to head the workshops whenever possible."

"Conference was wonderful!  Having the National President there and sharing information from her level was quite eye-opening and very informative.  The biggest AHA! For me was the reminder that we are a Community organization and the accomplishments being a community organization have made to our country."

"As president of the Holomua Elementary PTA, I can share that all 6 of us who attended the 77th Hawaii State PTSA last weekend in Kona from Holomua had a terrific experience.  The convention had excellent speakers and workshops.  Friday was a wonderful time to reconnect with Linda Hodge and Carol Nafus and our board members were so impressed with these PTA leaders! Of course, even the vendors who gave free samples were enjoyable.  And, it was fun to meet other parents, teachers and administrators to get ideas of what works and what doesn't (e.g. networking).  One of the highlights was the dance and karaoke on Saturday night!  We so enjoyed the night that we stayed until the end! The most special thing that happened was that our group got to know each other in ways that we hadn't before.  There is now a lot of positive energy and excitement about the coming year and having the president-elect attend was so critical.  Never before has our PTA sent so many to a convention and never before had we experienced such bonding and closeness that we want to build this kind of experience for next year (even though it will be held on Oahu, we still want to rent hotel rooms so the entire delegation from our school can have this total experience that will carry over into the new school year!)  Already, several have set goals for the coming year!

Don, thank you for presiding over your first Hawaii State PTSA convention!  You did a superb job of managing the schedule and keeping things moving along.

I personally want to thank Christy Aragon, Convention Chair for inviting me to teach T'ai-Chi on the grass near the beach on Saturday and Sunday mornings and for including in the convention booklet, the digital clip of Holomua students doing T'ai-Chi at school!  She did a wonderful job in chairing this year's convention!

But overall our group has special memories of a weekend in Kona that we wished all PTA and PTSA groups could experience!"

National Testimonials

Since becoming a brand new PTA president, I understand how important it is that we be a voice for our children. If we stand up for their rights now, they will have a better future. It is so important that we all put children first and PTA membership gives us that chance.(Pat Shaneyfelt, Rolesville, NC, Rolesville Elementary PTA)

Being involved in PTSA allows me to interact with the teachers and school administration. We are all there for the education of our children and that gives us a respect for each other and the jobs we are trying to do for our students. The ultimate goal for everyone is to see our children mature into productive and happy members of society. We all win when that happens.(Sheri Osment, Jacksonville, FL, Landon Middle School PTA)

Being a part of the PTA has not only built my leadership skills and allowed me to participate in programs to advocate for children, but it has also allowed my whole family to grow. My daughter is now a PTA member and is the childcare chairperson. She is still a teenager and I must say that while all her friends are reacting to family life, she thanks me for the opportunity to help. My fourth grade son is looking forward to the day when he also can become a volunteer with children's' programs. Fortunately, the PTA provides us with the education we need to guide our children to become giving members to society.(Thea L.L. Miklasiewicz, Edmonds, WA, Woodway Elementary PTA)

Submit Your Own Testimonial

We want to hear what our members have to say about the influence PTA has had on their lives and the lives of their children and family. If you have a story to share, we invite you to share it. Please click here to submit your testimonial. As a minimum, we ask that you provide your name and the PTA unit you belong to. Please provide a day and evening phone number and an email address in case we need to contact you concerning your testimonial.