National PTA Convention 2007

Virginia PTA delegates to National Convention, back row from left to right: Lisa Moore,Marcia Cox-Barry, Patricia Franck, Bill Levey. Front row from left to right: Melissa Nehrbass, Dianne Florence.

The National PTA Convention was held in St. Louis, Missouri from June 28 through July 1. Jan Harp Domene from California was installed as President and Churck Saylors from South Carolina was elected President-Elect. Chuck will be the first male to serve as President for National PTA. Betsy Landes from Tennessee was elected Secretary/Treasurer.

Virginia PTA was represented by six delegates from the Board of Managers. President Dianne Florence, President-Elect Melissa Nehrbass, Treasurer Bill Levey, Arts in Education Chair Patricia Franck, Northern Virginia District Director Lisa Moore, and Roanoke District Director Marcia Cox-Barry attended multiple workshops, participated in general sessions, and networked with delegates from other states and National PTA Board and staff.

During the four hour general sessions two resolutions, Classrom Auditory Learning Issues and Internet and Wireless Communications Safety were adopted. Delegates were moved by a story of inspiration, courage and kindness from keynote speaker, Craig Scott. Craig is the brother of Rachel Scott, the first student killed at Columbine High School and founder of "Rachel's Challenge" a school assembly and training program created following the 1999 shooting tragedy to promote compassion among students.

Make sure you check out the next issure of Our Children magazine for more picutres and information from the convention.