Founders Day
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