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Founders' Day is a National PTA event in which PTAs and PTSAs across the nation celebrate the founding of PTA on February 21, 1897. In Allen Park, we observe the day by recognizing parents, teachers, students, staff, and community members for their accomplishments, service, and efforts to support the mission and vision of PTA.
The 2025-2026 Founders' Day awards event is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2026 @ Carmela's Banquet Hall; 17113 Champaign Rd Allen Park, MI 48101
We are committed to honoring the people and programs in APPS that support the mission of PTA: To make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW FOR THE
April 22, 2026 dinner.
Buy your tickets online at https://apptacouncil.givebacks.com/shop/items/147194ab5d for $25
Nominations for the 2026 Founders' Day Awards will be accepted until January 24th 2026 at 11:59 pm! Each PTA/PTSA unit is accepting nominations online (please click the link for the google form):
** Late entries will not be accepted, with no exceptions. **
PTA/PTSA members will vote for the awards at the February unit PTA/PTSA meetings. The meeting voting dates are:
Arno & Lindemann– Thursday, February 5, 2026
Bennie-Thursday February 12, 2026
Middle School – Monday, February 2, 2026
High School – Wednesday, February 4, 2026
View the list of previous Founders' Day winners! link to online spreadsheet
Award Descriptions Descriptions of the categories are included in each Form and summarized below. Please note - some awards have time limitations before a past winner can be re-nominated. A list of previous winners is available here. SUBMIT Nominations above via Google Forms!
Outstanding Program – This award is to recognize a program (assembly or event) that demonstrates the mission of the PTA and that is deemed successful by staff, students and parents. The program took place since the last Founders' Day nominations closed.
Outstanding Business Partner – This award is to recognize a business that has supported your unit or school with generous donations/contributions for the last year (since the last Founders’ Day nominations closed).
Outstanding Student – Reserved for middle school or high school students only, This student has shown one or more of the following traits: outstanding leadership, character, service, or performance academically or socially. This student has contributed overall to make your school/unit a better place.
Support Personnel – Someone who assists in the overall educational process is a non-certified staff member who demonstrates professional excellence and a commitment to the students of our district. This includes Paraprofessional, Cafeteria Staff, and Custodial Staff, etc., but not administrators or teachers. At least 4 years must pass before a past recipient of this award can again be eligible for nomination in this category.
Outstanding Educator – Someone who is a certified teaching staff member who has demonstrated professional excellence and commitment to the students of our district. At least 5 years must pass before a past recipient of this award can again be eligible for nomination in this category.
Distinguished Service – A PTA/PTSA member who has given unselfishly and tirelessly throughout the year (since the last Founders' Day nomination period) to bring new meaning and direction to your unit and whose actions demonstrate the PTA/PTSA objectives. At least 3 years must pass before a past recipient of this award can again be eligible for nomination in this category.
Council Member of the Year - This award is to honor outstanding council level leadership, a commitment to children’s advocacy and a genuine passion for PTA. At least 2 years must pass before a past recipient of this award can again be eligible for nomination in this category.
Michigan Honorary Life Membership – is for persons who have made worthy contributions to the welfare of children and youth. It is an honorary award only and does not require the nominee to be a current PTA member.
Congratulations to the 2025-2026 Founders' Day honorees!
Arno Elementary
Outstanding Educator:: Megan Johnson
Business Partner: Detroit Tiger Tickets Program
Distinguished Service: Cassie Harrison
Support Personnel: Caitlin Grose
Outstanding Program: March is Reading Month
Bennie Elementary
Outstanding Educator:
Distinguished Service:
Support Personnel:
Business Partner:
Outstanding Program:
Lindemann Elementary
Outstanding Educator: Michelle Chimienti & Christina Forth
Distinguished Service: Adrienne McPartlin
Support Personnel: Lauren Khatter
Business Partner: Chick Fil A
Outstanding Program: Movie in the Park
Allen Park Middle School
Outstanding Educator: Christina Hasse
Distinguished Service: Amanda Botello
Support Personnel: Nanette Sabo
Business Partner: Popped By Perez
Outstanding Program: Unified Basketball
Outstanding Student: Payton McGrath
Allen Park High School
Outstanding Educator: Lauren McCliment
Distinguished Service: Nicole Sobieski
Support Personnel: Kathy Weaver
Business Partner: BrandStand
Outstanding Program: Prism Club
Outstanding Student: April Cardinal
Allen Park PTA/PTSA Council
Council Distinguished Service: Darren Redding
Councilperson of the Year :Susan Wagner
Council Business Partner- The Balloon Guys
Michigan Honorary Life Membership: Phill & Christine Seasock
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