PTSA Bestows Awards

February 12, 2009

The West Irondequoit Central PTSA honored three people in a special ceremony on February 10 at Irondequoit High School. Jane DeVoldre, Bonnie Ritzman and Beckie Schultz each received the New York State PTA Honorary Life Award, given to those who have shown exceptional service to children and youth. It is the highest honor a PTSA can bestow upon its members.

Jane DeVoldre is a third grade teacher at Listwood School. “Jane is one of the best listeners I know. When her students look up at her to tell her a story or a thought generated in class, she is often seen with a smile on her face and her eyes intently focused on that child. She makes them feel as if they are the most important person in the world at that exact moment. She truly makes her students feel special and important,” said colleague Katie McCarthy.

Bonnie Ritzman is the secretary at Brookview School. Gretchen Tortora told those who were gathered, “Everything you do is always with the best interest of the children in mind. You’re always keeping them safe, making sure they are fed and making sure they feel important and successful.”

Beckie Schultz is a PTSA volunteer and has served on the Board of Education since 1997. “The definition of a partnership is someone who gives of themselves, keeping others at the forefront. And throughout these past 17 years you’ve kept children at the forefront as you partnered with parents, with teachers and with leadership staff on behalf of children,” said Linda McGinley.   

The West Irondequoit Central PTSA meets monthly, on Tuesday evenings, in the Suzanne Dreher Conference Room at the District Office.  For a complete schedule of PTSA events, visit www.wicptsa.org