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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 not yet on sale for the April 22, 2026 dinner.
Buy your tickets online at https://apptacouncil.memberhub.com/store 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 2024-2025 Founders' Day honorees!
Arno Elementary
Outstanding Educator:: Mrs. Mercer
Business Partner: Papas Pizza
Distinguished Service: Lindsey Dyer
Support Personnel: Jackie Kempisty
Outstanding Program: Latchkey
Bennie Elementary
Outstanding Educator: Mrs. McCall
Distinguished Service: Autumn Mulka
Support Personnel: Jamie Narkun
Business Partner: Bella Pizza
Outstanding Program: Cross Cat
Lindemann Elementary
Outstanding Educator: Mrs. Bowdell
Distinguished Service: Kelly Mackie
Support Personnel: Leanne Glei, Tina Waldus, Kendra Payette-Linn
Business Partner: English Gardens
Outstanding Program: Art for the Sky
Allen Park Middle School
Outstanding Educator: Mr. Bates
Distinguished Service: Nicole Sobieski
Support Personnel: Nicole Atkinson
Business Partner: Bigby Coffee #738
Outstanding Program: The Book Fair
Outstanding Student: Landon Christensen
Allen Park High School
Outstanding Educator: Kristyn Pierfelice
Distinguished Service: Maddie Carey, Tiffany Aquino, Brittney Hartley
Support Personnel: APHS Office Staff
Business Partner: The Ice Cream Man, LLC
Outstanding Program: Staff Appreciation
Outstanding Student: Aurora Osinski
Allen Park PTA/PTSA Council
Council Distinguished Service: Susan Wagner
Councilperson of the Year: Marlene Cottrell
Michigan Honorary Life Membership: Kelley Hunter-Carey
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