Friday, December 21, 2012



Baby Steps  . . .

By Laura Norris, 2012 Huff PTA Executive Vice President and Auction Co-chair. Laura has a 5th grader and a 2nd grader.

As my daughter, Sara, finishes her final year at Huff, I look back on her time with joy and sadness – somewhat sad that she is growing up and moving on but joyful that I was able to be actively a part of such a wonderful community and supportive school. I firmly feel that the more you put into something, the more you get out of it.

I fondly remember my daughter walking to Mrs. Lopez’s kindergarten class 6 years ago – parents wistfully peering through the window, snapping pictures to capture that precious first day of school moment. As I finally walked away from the classroom, I stopped by the PTA welcome area on the blacktop to receive some information about the school. I was greeted by the volunteers and members of the PTA.

I started at Huff as a volunteer in the classroom (cutting out shapes for Mrs. Lopez, gluing pictures in books and assisting students staple, count and read). I became a room parent and quickly learned about all of the amazing activities and programs offered at Huff.

I later met Roxanne Coish, who was bursting with energy about Huff’s annual auction. I had never been to a school auction before, so I decided to attend. I didn't buy much that year and didn't talk to very many people, but I enjoyed the event and saying hi to the staff.  Because of Roxanne’s enthusiasm, I decided to help with auction invitations my second year. As the years went by, I gradually took on more responsibility. I coordinated the teacher/staff auction donations the following year and then co-chaired the auction with Roxanne the next year. Then my husband, Craig, and I chaired it the year after that. Craig and I, along with Laurie Balch and our 2012 auction team coordinated the auction this year.
For me, raising money for Huff is not just about creating opportunities for our kids (e.g. hiring the West Bay Opera to perform for our students, sending kids on field trips to Intel or the Lawrence Hall of Science, buying an iPad cart, funding 4th grade choir and honor choir or purchasing new balls for the playground). It’s also about connecting our community. Many of my friendships are with those that share a common interest of service.

As Craig and I step down from our role as auction co-chairs, I reflect on my involvement at Huff and the baby steps I've taken along the way. Through these memorable volunteer experiences, not only have I gained life-long skills, connected with our talented teachers and staff but also developed some wonderful friendships with other caring parents at Huff. For me, Huff is like a family.

Thank you, Huff, for the opportunity!


1 comment:

  1. Much thanks to the Norrises' incredible job at our amazingly successful auction!

    ReplyDelete