Westlake Teacher, PTA Members Win Awards

WESTLAKE, OH — The annual PTA Founders' Day Dinner was held recently by the Westlake Council of PTAs. The awards ceremony was held at Wagner's of Westlake and honors the contributions of members who are helping enrich student experiences.

The dinner is held every February, in coordination with PTA groups across the nation. The event is held in honor of the founding of the PTA more than 120 years ago. The Westlake event recognizes contributors at each school in the district.

Nominations for the awards are given by the PTA community and from the schools. The nominees can win one of three awards.

Each of Westlake's nine PTA units chooses honoree to receive the Ohio PTA Achievement Award, which is the highest honor a PTA can give to an individual. The award is usually given based on outstanding service to children and youth, either in Westlake or the community at-large.

• Westlake Early Childhood PTA: Jennifer Hill
• Bassett Elementary PTA: Liz Pirnat
• Dover Elementary PTA: Cathy Grimes
• Hilliard Elementary PTA: Meghan Brunaugh
• Holly Lane Elementary PTA: Susan Hunter
• Dover Intermediate School PTA: Dawn Evans
• Lee Burneson Middle School PTA: Sara Latkowski
• Westlake High School PTSA: Joel and Linda Tomkalski
• Westlake Council of PTAs: Tricia Balch

The second award that was given out is the Helping Hands Award. That honor is given to a PTA member who has made a positive impact on the lives of children, and has participated in activities involving our children and youth.

This year's recipient is Megan Smith. She has been the president of the Westlake Music Booster for more than four years, providing leadership for all of that group's activities.

The third and final award that is given out at the dinner is the Outstanding District Educator Award, which is given to a certified educator for their support of the PTA. This year's winner is Scott Kutz, a teacher at Westlake High.

Kutz is a technology and engineering teacher. His students took home awards in both regional and national competitions over the past year, including the Annual Student Model Home Contest at the Home and Garden Show.

Photo from Westlake Council of PTAs

Photo Caption
Front Row: Megan Smith, Cathy Grimes, Dawn Evans, Linda Tomkalski, Meghan Brunaugh
Back row: Scott Kutz, Susan Hunter, Tricia Balch, Liz Pirnat, Joel Tomkalski, Sara Latkowski, Jennifer Hill