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2024-25 LAPTA Award Winners

"And now for the Rest of the Story....." So I might've told a few stories to surprise our TWO Volunteer of the Year Winners for 2024-25! When I went to surprise Whitney Gates (University Elementary President), she was onto us. But I one-upped her by asking the LAPTA Contests Committee Chair to create a fake Facebook post declaring Misty Richmond the winner. My ploy worked, and Whitney was totally surprised. The following day I also surprised Lindsey Lewis (Fairfield Magnet PTA President and Byrd High PTSA VP) with her Honorable Mention.

 

BUT then it got tricky again. The LAPTA Contests Committee Chair and Misty Richmond are actually one in the same person. I knew when I asked her to make herself the "fake" winner that she, too, would be receiving the award. Without questioning me or saying, "hey, that's kind of rude to make me the 'fake' winner," she just said, "confusing, but sure!" We were able to finally surprise Misty Richmond (Madisonville Jr High PTA President and Mandeville High Secretary) who was subbing at MJH. We popped into the classroom, successfully surprised her, and presented her with the second Volunteer of the Year Award! 

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I'd apologize for my hijinks, except for that I'm not sorry... I am, however, done with my sneaky ways, or am I????

Congratulations to all three women! You're all amazing! And to all those who are quietly serving in the background, LAPTA thanks you, as well.

Whitney Gates

Misty Richmond

Lindsey Lewis

LAPTA is so excited to announce that the winner of the 2024-25 Student Advocacy Award is Radin Sepehrimanesh at South Highlands Elementary Magnet PTA in Shreveport! As a second grader, he received this award for his work fostering creativity and education through multiple platforms, positively impacting students and the broader community. Check out his Youtube channel at youtube.com/@Crafts4Children. Stay tuned for the announcement of the Jospeh F. Seeley Volunteer of the Year Award Winner!

Award Details & Application Links

Joseph F. Seeley Volunteer of the Year Award

Deadline: March 31, 2026
Announced: April 14, 2026
Quantity Offered: 1

The volunteers across Louisiana are truly the heart of the association. Recognize and thank that special person who goes above and beyond for all children, the one who acts as a tireless advocate for children’s education, health, and well-being by honoring them with a Volunteer of the Year Award. This award recognizes a volunteer who has made a positive impact on the school and its children and is named in honor of Joseph Francis Seeley, a consummate volunteer. 

Advocacy Awards for PTA Units or Students

Deadline: March 31, 2026
Announced: April 14, 2026
Quantity Offered: 2

LAPTA wants to honor not only PTAs for their advocacy work but also students. Local PTA Units or students can submit their advocacy efforts to LAPTA who offers a maximum of two awards. There are countless ways you can advocate! See suggestions at LouisianaPTA.org/advocate.

2024-25 Monthly Membership Challenges

The 2025-26 LAPTA membership goal is 11,000 for our 102nd year and we need our PTAs to help us reach that goal. To be eligible for awards, all PTAs must have all officers registered and have 100% Active Affiliation status (after October 31) with LAPTA. Each challenge is based on reaching a certain percentage of the PTA’s goal set by LAPTA. Therefore, you do not need to strategize about submitting dues as in previous years. The qualifying PTAs will receive recognition and automatically enter a monthly drawing for $100 plus other bonus prizes for the Board Members to reward your hard work!

Annual Membership Awards

LAPTA has a goal of 11,000 members for our 102nd year in 2024-25 and we need our Local PTA Units to help reach that goal! Qualification for awards is done without application. LAPTA uses the information on the Local PTA Unit Membership Reports emailed to submit@LouisianaPTA.org by April 1, 2025. The annual membership awards will be announced in April 2025. 

Goal Getter Award

Reached at least 100% of the LAPTA goal

Overachiever Award

Exceed the LAPTA goal by at least 10%

Triple Crown Award

Reach the LAPTA membership goal for at least 3 consecutive years

All Star Staff Award

100% membership of teachers and administrators

Every Child, One Voice Award

Membership total is at least 100% of student enrollment count

2023-24 LAPTA Joseph F. Seeley Volunteer of the Year Award

The LAPTA Board of Directors thoughtfully reviewed the applicants for the LAPTA Volunteer of the Year Award. The BOD members each blindly judged the applicants. While the wonderful nominated volunteers were all deserving of recognition, LAPTA could only choose one. Congratulations to our winner, Ashley Skweres with Fairfield Fundamental Magnet PTA in Shreveport! We also had nine honorable mentions:

  • Elizabeth Barilleaux, Mandeville High PTSA in Mandeville

  • Jennifer Hale, Fontainebleau High PTSA in Mandeville

  • Kristy Anderson, Abita Springs Middle PTA in Abita Springs

  • Mandi Deano, Monteleone Jr High PTA in Mandeville

  • Melissa Ojeda, Madisonville Jr High PTA in Madisonville

  • Robert Silvie, Captain Shreve High PTSA in Shreveport

  • Shelley Pettus, Fontainebleau High PTSA in Mandeville

  • Thuy Comeaux, Fontainebleau High PTSA in Mandeville

  • Wendy Anderson, Honey Island Elementary PTA in Slidell

Toolkit Sec 9. Awards, Grants, and Contests

Index:

120     Summary of Awards, Grants, and Contests

121     Monthly Membership Challenges

121     Annual Membership Awards

122     Red Ribbon Week Safety Poster Contest

123     Reflections Theme Search Contest

124     Reflections Arts Program

125     Volunteer of the Year Award

125     Advocacy Award for PTAs or Students

126     National PTA Grants

126     Louisiana PTA Grants

126     $750 Literacy Grant Application

126     $750 Healthy Minds Grant Application

127     $500 Creative Teacher Grant Application

127     $500 LAPTA Day of Service Grant Application

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