Chartered in December 2001, the Casimir Pulaski PTA has been a consistently powerful advocacy voice for elementary school children in Yonkers. Since that time this unit has actively participated in email and letter-writing campaigns to obtain sustainable education funding at the state and local levels. In the present day, an executive board composed of dedicated, selfless, and extremely capable individuals has made all the difference in this unit’s status as one of the strongest in its area.
Treasurer Ralph Battista, known as a “wizard with [the] books,” is committed to full transparency and sends a monthly message to the membership showing all expenditures. His level of organization and dedication to his role have proven to be invaluable at building and maintaining open lines of communication regarding funds for the more than 250 members who signed up this year.
Vice Presidents Nicole Mosca and Jessica Galloza have been instrumental in planning and setting up events. Their joint and individual efforts ensured that experiences such as the Small Tall Ball and community events were both enriching and memorable for students. Nicole has infused each event with her creative flair, her signature balloon arches becoming a mainstay in the background of many photos and long-lasting memories. Jessica, a middle school parent, made sure to advocate for older students, and was present for all elementary and middle school events.
Also a key figure in the unit’s success is Kate Feighery-Miller, who serves as Corresponding Secretary and helps communicate PTA messaging in a clear, consistent and fun way. In addition to creating a Givebacks website and ensuring that volunteer opportunities were available to all members, she creates a monthly newsletter that highlights all of the PTA’s events and gives a special shout-out to volunteers. Kate also created a Career Day video for the middle school students, which was composed of submissions from an amazing group of Pulaski community members, including research scientists, doctors, fashion designers, and public servants.
From solicitations for their Tricky Tray event to coordinating the first-ever in-school Touch-a- Truck assembly showcasing local police, fire, and sanitation workers, Recording Secretary Gillian Daronzio has been involved in the coordination of every event. She also applied for and helped this unit receive National PTA’s STEM+ Families and Happy Coffee grants. In the spirit of community and partnership, the executive team decided to share the large donation of coffee with other units throughout Yonkers.
At the helm, President Deanna Aguilar is a trusted figure whose commitment and drive inspire those around her to also perform to the best of their abilities. Under her leadership, the Casimir Pulaski PTA has been able to soar to new heights, with no plans to slow down anytime soon!
Website: https://pulaski.givebacks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/PTA-Casimir-Pulaski-School-61579286200508/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptacasimirpulaski/
