Angel Ackerson, of Niles, is in her sixth year serving as the president of the Edwardsburg Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), which holds general membership meetings bi-monthly. The next meeting is Tuesday, April 14. For more information, check out the organization’s Facebook page by searching for Edwardsburg PTO Inc.

 

What do you do for the Edwardsburg PTO?

This is my ninth year on the PTO board and my sixth year as PTO president. We organize different school activities and coordinate volunteers. We do fundraising activities so we can support the school, the teachers and the students, of course. On average I spend about 15 hours a week, depending on the time of the year.

 

How many children do you have?

Three boys: Alex, 22; Lee, 14; and Landon, 12.

 

Why do you volunteer with PTO?

I’ve always loved being a part of my boys’ school experience and I think they’ve enjoyed it, too. They know that their education is very important to me, and that makes it all worthwhile. I like making sure they are getting the best education they can by raising funds and organizing activities. We are funding field trips and things like that they wouldn’t get if we weren’t there to help out.

 

What is your favorite PTO event and why?

The Holiday Gift Shop is definitely my favorite event of the year. It is a lot of hard work, but it is so rewarding. I just love seeing the smiles and excitement on the students’ faces while they shop for their loved ones.

 

What do you do when you’re not volunteering?

I work full-time as the vice president/controller of a local home improvement company, and spend even more time enjoying my sons’ sporting events.

 

What advice would you give someone who is considering becoming involved in PTO?

I always encourage everyone I know to become involved in their children’s school. Volunteering has given me the opportunity to get to know my sons’ teachers and friends better, and to make some wonderful friendships of my own.

 

Do you know a volunteer worthy of recognition? Nominate him or her as the Volunteer of the Week by calling Craig Haupert, community editor, at (269) 687-7720, or emailing him at craig.haupert@leaderpub.com.