“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. “ (Maya Angelou)

These words have been part of my life since I entered PTA and teaching. Our words and actions will be long forgotten by those we meet, but the feelings we leave with those we meet in our lives will last forever. As I begin my term as your State President, many people who are present tonight and those who could not be with us have given me the feeling of trust and responsibility to lead Pennsylvania PTA forward.  PTA’s mission: “to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.” is what brought me to where I am this evening. In 1995, I entered my first PTA meeting and felt welcomed by all present to continue my PTA journey. These fellow parents and teachers were following the vision of making our children’s lives better through their education, safety and well-being. PTA has done just that over the past 124 years and will continue to advocate for all of our children each and every day. 

My promise to you is to always put our children first and continue to advocate to make their potential a reality and always encourage our families and communities to work together with us. I promise to bring our PTA Board of Directors together in the continued mission of PTA.  We will continue to be the voice for all children, everychild.onevoice. 

Thank you for entrusting me as your State President of Pennsylvania PTA for 2021-2023!

Sincerely,

Marie Merkel