Hillcrest PTA Recognized As One of Best In County

Teachers and staff at Hillcrest Elementary School may know what a great PTA the school has, but now all of Baltimore County is aware.

The Baltimore County Council of PTAs recognized Hillcrest at a county-wide banquet, giving the school the award for best communication in the county and also giving it a unit of excellence award. The latter award is given to a PTA that demonstrates performance above and beyond the norm.

The awards also marked the end of Jennifer Parker's two years as president.

Hillcrest Principal Terry McVey said it was fitting that the PTA received recognition for communication because she has seen lines of communication open between the staff and the community.

Parker was the type of president who was constantly in communication with her, McVey said, and Parker's goal was to make sure accurate information was shared.

The PTA has helped fund extracurricular activities and has also worked to improve the information flow on the school website and the PTA website.

"She brings so many great personal qualities," McVey said. "Her spirit and her enthusiasm really stand out."

Parker, who has been volunteering at the school since her son was in pre-kindergarten five years ago, said she knew how important communication in a school is because her father was a teacher.

"I wholeheartedly believe in being up front with people," she said.

Parker said she also really appreciates the team effort of the PTA. She's made it a goal to welcome new volunteers and make sure they feel included. As a result, many new volunteers have given some great ideas, she said.

But after her two years, Parker has stepped down as president and is ready to let other parents step in. On Wednesday, the PTA elected a new slate of officers, including: Greg Rathmell, president; Kelley Shaw, first vice president; Angie McLean, second vice president; Michelle Atwood, recording secretary; Sandy Johnson, corresponding secretary; and Lynn Bernstein, treasurer. Two members at large are Parker and Allison Baird. 

The school also recognized Parker for her service by surprising her with flowers on Wednesday morning. Councilman Tom Quirk also gave her a certificate of recognition at Wednesday night's PTA meeting.