News Releases
March Volunteer of the Month: Karen Ernst
President, Hunting Ridge School PTA
“I believe in volunteering,” says Karen Ernst. “It’s great to be able to do what’s right for kids … to be able to connect with others while doing something worthwhile. People appreciate what you do.”
Karen puts her convictions into action, primarily at Hunting Ridge School, where she is currently PTA president. She began her PTA involvement six years ago when her oldest son started kindergarten. Before becoming president, she was a room mom, involved in gym nights at the school, and helped revamp the school picnic into a festive annual event that has become a school tradition.
Karen has done a “phenomenal job,” her nominator says. “She attends many committee meetings, contacts every PTA chairperson to stay informed, and works with committee participants to problem-solve with a win/win mentality. She often removes her presidential hat to help with school pictures, the school picnic, the walk-a-thon, room parent/teacher luncheon, the turkey shoot, Market Day, Halloween festivities, or painting our playground equipment.”
“It’s nice to see school programs that can be enjoyed by all,” Karen says. She also thinks it’s important for her children to see her being involved, especially at their school. Before she became so deeply involved at Hunting Ridge, she was a volunteer at the Junior League of Chicago, where among other projects, she organized successful literacy luncheons featuring high-profile speakers. “I’ve always been an organizer,” she says.
Karen is “an effective leader,” notes her nominator. PTA committee members say that Karen never makes a decision without their consent and never tries to force her opinions on anyone. “I lead by letting people try something new,” Karen says of her own leadership style. “When you do that, it’s amazing what people come back with.”
Last year, when a group of parents launched a fund-raising effort to raise money for new playground equipment at the school, Karen was an active participant. “She infused our community with her enthusiasm,” her nominator says. “Thanks to her organizational skills, creativity, vision, and persistence, our playground is a favorite of children, staff, and families alike.”
Karen grew up in Park Ridge and attended Maine South High School. She earned a B.S. degree in marketing from Northern Illinois University and worked in the advertising department of The Daily Herald for ten years. She and her husband Paul are parents of three children who attend Hunting Ridge: Matthew, sixth grade; Brian, fourth grade; and Catherine, first grade. Karen says she loves to play with her children and attend their sports activities, and is organizing the Boy Scout Blue and Gold awards ceremony this year. She also plays indoor soccer and golf.
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