Members receive Fourth District PTA annual awards

Three well-deserving PTA volunteers received Fourth District PTA's highest honors at the Administrators' Dinner held March 26, 2009, at the Doubletree Hotel in Santa Ana, Calif.


Patty Christiansen, Golden Oak Award

When you ask Patty why she is involved in PTA her response is always, “It’s all about the kids.” During 30 years in PTA she has held just about every position and has served as board member at every PTA level, from elementary to the California State PTA Board of Managers.

Patty has led Fourth District PTA as President for the past two years. She created new partnerships with the Orange County Department of Education, Samantha’s Pride, the Orange County Performing Arts Center, SMARTS, and Orange County ROP, to name just a few. Under her leadership, Fourth District PTA was proud to launch Rio Contiguo PTSA, the first PTA in a juvenile justice school in Orange County.

Patty’s enthusiasm and energy have been an inspiration to all of us, and her terrific sense of fun has kept us laughing as we work together for our children and schools.

Karen Schroeder, Honorary Service Award

There are leaders, followers, and those who provide unwavering support whenever it’s needed. Karen is all of those.

Fourth District PTAs were truly blessed to have her fill numerous PTA board positions, where she positively affected the lives of students and fellow volunteers. She takes the lead to make positive improvements when she sees the need for change.

She made significant changes as the Fourth District PTA financial secretary and was such a great hospitality chair, she became our current Vice President of Convention. Communicating with hundreds of delegates and coordinating the work of her committee to make sure everyone has a wonderful convention experience is a priority for Karen. She brings a contagious zest for volunteer life to all those she works with and is the true definition of a team player.


Laura Zuchovicki, Golden Orange Award

Laura is Fourth District PTA’s ambassador to the Spanish-speaking community. As a member of the Leadership Committee, she has visited numerous schools with Spanish-speaking parents. She communicates PTA’s message, answers questions, helps establish new PTA units and provides officer training. She also quickly and professionally translates Fourth District PTA newsletter articles, flyers and other materials.

After attending the California State PTA Emerging Minority Leaders Conference last September, Laura and three other parents formed the Fourth District PTA Outreach Committee. They set up a Fourth District Spanish telephone hotline and launched an all-Spanish Fourth District PTA newsletter. Laura is an incredibly valuable asset to Fourth District PTA and to the Spanish-speaking parents of Orange County.