09-02-03: Highlights from the 107th National PTA Convention

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	09-02-03: Highlights from the 107th National PTA Convention

ANNOUNCEMENT
September 2, 2003

107th National PTA Convention
Photos & Story by: Francine M. Marcinczyk, Secretary, CT PTA

The 2003 National PTA Convention held in June in Charlotte, North Carolina was great! The convention center is new and beautiful and very, very big (lots of walking). At convention, everything is computerized which makes checking easy. The folks from North Carolina are noticeably polite. They like to use Ma’am and Sir whenever they talk to you.

The exhibitor’s hall was filled with good vibes and energy. Krispy Kremes were abundant and helped sponsor the North Carolina PTA booth. (In case you didn’t know, North Carolina is home to Krispy Kremes!) At the exhibitor’s reception, Shirley Igo really impressed the exhibitors by going around to meet all of them. She told them, “Thank you for coming to this convention.” This meant a lot to the exhibitors who thought she was such a nice person to take the time.

General session was fun and impressive. The marvelous Dr. Chauncey Veatch, 2002 Teacher of the Year, led off as first guest speaker. He told wonderful stories about his experiences teaching in California - to the disadvantaged, the relocated, bilingual students who would not give in to their situations. While he taught them at school, they taught him as well - about meeting challenges head-on, accomplishing the unattainable, and hoping for it all. Although they spoke Spanish, they dreamed the American dream.

The workshops were excellent and informative. Soon, the CT PTA state office will have resource materials from convention workshops available to our members.

We hope you will attend our state convention in May, 2004, and the National Convention in June, 2004 which will be held in Anaheim, CA (Yes, home to Disneyland!)

Outside of the Charlotte Convention Center. The weather was mild and about 80 degrees. The lit display welcomed the members of the National PTA to the 107th Annual Convention and Exhibition.
	Linda Hodge, National PTA President, hails from Colchester, Connecticut. She is the first Connecticut resident to hold the title.
Linda Hodge, pictured here, taping an interview with Charolotte TV news.
	After general session, members have a chance to meet the candidates. Here, the candidate’s forum is being prepared.
Our Connecticut delegates enjoying general session.
	General Meeting, starting at the far right, Shirley Igo, President; Rollie Cox, Convention Parliamentarian; Linda Hodge, President-elect; and Sherry Davis, Convention Rules Committee Chair.
Seen on a big screen, keynote speaker, Chauncey Veatch, PhD., 2002 National Teacher of the Year inspires the members with his tales of courage and triumph.
	Also on the big screen, Shirley Igo speaking to the members during general session.
A long shot of convention, during general session showing the board of directors seated on stage having their 5 minutes of fame.

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