Annual Founders Day Celebration

Feb 21, 2024 Celebration at Amador High School

Founders Day is a time to renew the dedication to the purposes of the PTA that were defined by PTA’s founders more than a century ago, on February 17, 1897. Each year in February, PTA honors the three founders - Alice McLellan Birney, Phoebe Apperson Hearst, and charter member Mrs. David O. Mears - as well as past and present PTA leaders.

Issues concerning immigrants, homeless children and families, the unemployed and the uneducated, and numerous health and safety concerns still need attention. However, through PTA advocacy to enact and enforce laws, children’s health is better protected and children are better fed, housed and educated, with parents more involved in their upbringing. The vision of PTA’s founders has been realized in many ways, and now it is up to current PTA members to continue the vision.

At our annual celebration of the founders of PTA, the Pleasanton PTA Council typically recognizes some special individuals with Honorary Service Awards. These awards may be given to an individual or organization in special recognition of outstanding service to children and youth. The awards are made possible by our organization's donation in the award recipient's name to the scholarship fund of the California State PTA. 

Recipients of Honorary Service Awards

2020

Susan Han

Robin Dias-Magnano

Katie Brunner

2019

Lars Ho-Tseung

Brenda Montgomery

Sandy Piderit

2018

Regina Stoops

2017

Susana Lopez-Krulevitch

Laurie Walker-Whiteland

2016

Steve Maher (Golden Oak Award)

2015

Kelly French

Rosa Isela Torre

2014

Diane Van Wagner

2013

Debi Covello

2012

Parvin Ahmadi

John Clatworthy

2011

Carl and Marilyn Palowitch

Glen Sparks (Very Special Person Award)

2010

John Casey (Golden Oak Award)

Joan Laursen

Pleasanton Partnerships in Education Foundation (PPIE)-Debi Covello accepting

2009

Lynn Gatehouse

Jamie Hintzke

Pleasanton Schools Educational Enrichment Foundation (PSEE)-Denise Watkins accepting 

2008

Erika Ben

Sally Dickinson

Sandra Lepley

2007

Debbie Look

Ken Mano

Suzanne Young

2006

Jim Hansen

Vicky Reinke (Golden Oak Award)

2005

Jill Buck

Jerri Long

Tanya Ludden

2004

John Casey

Juanita Haugen