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