Mary Brookes (South)
Nominated by Brandon Slone (Assistant Principal/Athletic Director) and Carla Palffy (President, Booster Club) and supported by Al Diver (Principal) and Jane Schmidt (Secretary to the AD)
A picture of Mary Brookes should be next to the word “booster” in the dictionary. Her involvement with Grosse Pointe Schools is nothing short of amazing, with a track record of 13 years as a volunteer. Before she became a South parent, she volunteered for countless activities at Maire Elementary, including an incredible ten years with the Holiday Craft Workshop. She didn’t lose steam at Pierce, volunteering for Coney night and as the clinic coordinator, among many other things. But it was at South that Mary really hit her stride. Her exhausting list of volunteer activities includes working on the Mothers’ Club, serving as president of the Women’s Lacrosse Team Booster Club and being both the President and scorekeeper of the Girls Swim Team. Mary was in the second class of women nominated to the board of South’s Booster Club, where she chaired numerous activities. It seems inadequate, but there’s only one thing you could say to someone who has done so much for so many, and that is “thank you.”

Debbie Carmody (South)
Nominated by Carla Palffy (President, Booster Club) and supported by Al Diver (Principal)
Whether she’s jumpstarting South’s Varsity Club or sponsoring the sophomore and senior classes, Debbie Carmody somehow finds a way to fit more and more into her packed volunteer schedule. She was in the first class of women to serve on the board of South’s Booster Club and served as treasurer for the Boys Soccer Boosters. It wasn’t all about sports with Debbie, however. Believing strongly in the importance of safety for students, she served as coordinator of GPS Safe Rides. At the same time, she understood the value of parents as partners in their children’s education and coordinated South’s Parent Network. Not surprisingly, she was active in the Grosse Pointe Schools long before her children got to South. Maire students were lucky to have her as both a Girl Scout and a Cub Scout leader and the Lunchtime Enrichment program was all the better for her involvement. In so many ways, Debbie has managed to touch the lives of hundreds of students. Thank you for being such a valuable asset to our schools, Debbie.

Lindy Cavanaugh (South)
Nominated by Al Diver (Principal) and supported by Dan White (Instrumental Music)
She has been described as a “true blue volunteer,” but tooting her own horn is not something Lindy Cavanaugh is likely to do. Despite her contention that she “just helped with things already in place,” others describe her as being “the backbone of so many programs, activities and fundraisers” at South. This multi-talented mom is active with the Band and Orchestra Boosters. Her work with the Mothers’ Club really keeps her hopping, too. You name it, she’s done it, from the spring flower sale to the North/South Holiday Tea. Lindy also worked as Parent Liaison for the Girls Cross Country Team and was on the Board of Directors for South Athletics. As if that wasn’t enough, she is handy with a needle, as she proved when she helped sew rhinestones on choir costumes. Active at Richard and Brownell before her children came to South, she said that it was natural to continue the volunteering she’d begun when her children went to school in England. Here’s hoping that your positive attitude is catching so we can have more volunteers like you, Lindy!

Anne Coates (Parcells)
Nominated by Mark Mulholland (Principal) and supported by Sheryl Hogan (Secretary to the Principal)
When Anne Coates commits to something, you can bet she’ll be there, ready to dive in and do what needs to be done. Anne is not only a former PTO Council member, but also past President. For the past three years, she has kept the Parcells Holiday Bazaar running like clockwork by handling the vendors and all of the countless details that includes. She also implemented new procedures for the Bazaar to make it even more successful. But it won’t be a complete loss for Parcells when Anne’s child goes to North next year because Anne has committed to helping with the Bazaar next year. Of course, what else do you expect from someone who still works on Ferry’s Market Day years after her last child left there? It’s clear to anyone who has had the pleasure of knowing Anne that her actions truly personify dedication. Anne, thank you for being a volunteer who, like the Energizer Bunny, just keeps going and going.

Joanne Dennis (North)
Nominated by Sue Koski and Debbie Mann (Norsemoms Co-chairs) and supported by Matt Outlaw (Assistant Principal/Athletic Director)
It’s been said that Joanne Dennis doesn’t have the word “no” in her vocabulary and her volunteer resume backs that up. Her volunteer efforts began at Ferry and continued while her children were at Parcells. She didn’t slow down when her children entered North. As parent representative for the Class of 2007, she has been a nurturing presence, encouraging students to get involved and offering them advice and a cup of hot chocolate. She introduced a successful fundraiser that involves selling baked goods from Josef’s Bakery. A talented photographer, she took most of the pictures that appeared in North’s Choir yearbook, a publication she was instrumental in starting. Despite the time and effort she devotes as treasurer of the choir, she still finds time to be a chaperone on trips and assist in planning the musical productions. Joanne will be sorely missed next year as her daughters graduate this June. Joanne, thanks so much for all of the times you said, “Yes.”

Pamela Flom (Brownell)
Nominated by Dr. Michael Dib (Principal) and supported by Terri Murphy (PTO President)
Who is the “ultimate parent volunteer?” If you ask anyone at Brownell, they will say it’s Pamela Flom. As president of the PTO, she recognized that when the teachers are shown appreciation for all that they do, that benefits the students as well. She has facilitated three Teacher Appreciation Days and had a men’s choir perform during a staff luncheon. If the staff wishes for anything, including materials, supplies or other miscellaneous items, Pamela is the person who gets it done. Add to that her position on the Brownell Building and Facilities Committee, and that completes the picture of the ultimate parent volunteer. Thank you, Pamela, for your positive attitude and admirable devotion to the staff and students at Brownell.

Kathy Manos (South)
Nominated by Ellen Bowen (Vocal Music) and supported by Al Diver (Principal), and Donna Martin (Choir Boosters)
Kathy Manos is one of those parents who seems to be everywhere at once. After devoting much time and effort at Richard and Brownell, she is making her mark at South. She gives her time and considerable efforts to various Mothers’ Club activities, currently serving on the Advisory board as the choir representative and on the College Night committee. Her involvement isn’t limited to the boundaries of South High School, however. Her devotion to volunteerism extends to district-wide involvement as she’s on the committees for the Middle School Study, the Elementary Principals Search and the School Day Study. Kathy, thank you for giving a helping hand to the entire Grosse Pointe community and being a role model for anyone wishing to get involved and make a difference.

Trisha Morath (North)
Nominated by Sue Koski and Debbie Mann (Norsemoms Co-chairs) and Matt Outlaw (Assistant Principal/Athletic Director)
The words “artistic” and “creative” are used to describe Trisha Morath. Add to those words “outstanding,” “willing” and “dedicated,” and you start to get the picture. In the 15 years that she has had children in the school district, Trisha has held at least one PTO position each year. She’s worked on articles and calendar events for the monthly Northern Lights Newsletter, which she also helps distribute. The kids and parents aren’t the only recipients of Trisha’s talents. She knows full well that the happiness of the students is directly related to the happiness of the staff, so she has organized the annual Staff Appreciation Breakfasts and Teacher Appreciation Luncheons for the past four years. Thanks, Trisha, for devoting your talents and time to North’s students and staff and know that their appreciation extends to you.

Sue Sattelmeier (Maire)
Nominated by Kathleen Satut (Principal) and supported by Ed Jackman (PTO)
There’s not enough time to list all of the ways in which Sue Sattelmeier has added value to Maire. Students and parents know that when they go to a school activity, Sue will be there with a smile on her face. She served as co-chairperson for the Maire Fair three times, raising thousands of dollars. She spearheaded the effort to raise money for air conditioning throughout most of the building, providing cool relief to both students and staff. She also spent two terms as the PTO President. But she didn’t stop there. “Students come first” could be her motto, as she was part of a committee that worked with city officials to improve pedestrian safety. Her effort and dedication will be missed at Maire as her children move on and she continues her current volunteer activities at Pierce and South.

John Smith (Defer)
Nominated by Ron Wardie (Principal) and supported by Helen Srebernak , Susan Ames and Allison Baker (PTO)
“Wow!” is all you can say when you hear about everything John Smith has done for Defer. Time doesn’t permit a complete listing of his many, many activities, so we’ll have to settle for a partial list. He’s been described as someone who leads by example and believes in having fun while you work and after you’re finished. He was instrumental in getting the first Defer Fall Family Fun Fest off the ground. He was also one of the key organizers for the “Cool the School” air conditioning project for which the necessary funds were raised in just over one year instead of the three that were projected. He has chaired and volunteered for numerous PTO activities and is now the immediate Past President for the organization. He works with more than just the parents, though. He gets right in there with the kids by volunteering for Field Day, being a classroom mentor and teaching in the Lunchtime Enrichment program. So you’ll have to forgive the Defer teachers, students and parents if they claim that John is everywhere and doing everything because the truth is they are just about right. John, you’re one in a million and we’re so lucky to have you.

Monica Stone (Poupard)
Nominated by Penny Stocks (Principal) and Suzanne Jabara (Teacher) and supported by Carol Fraser (PTO)
Whether presiding over PTO meetings as President, leading a Cub Scout pack or coordinating a holiday breakfast, Monica Stone remains willing and able to take on new challenges. After introducing a live auction to the annual school Tin Can Auction, she helped the PTO raise approximately twice what it had at previous auctions. She also helps in the classrooms and plans and coordinates volunteers for various school activities, such as the Daddy-Daughter Dance, School Store and Mother-Son Bowling. Thank you, Monica, for all of your hard work and dedication. When it comes to volunteers, Monica is worth the highest bid.

Angelo Tocco (South)
Nominated by Brandon Slone (Assistant Principal and Athletic Director) and supported by Jane Schmidt (Secretary to the AD)
Athletes know to never give up, no matter what the score is. Thank goodness that Angelo Tocco has that same attitude. Without that, he would never have been able to take Blue Devil fans and athletes out of the dark and put them in the spotlight. His considerable efforts were instrumental in securing the lighting agreement that is now in place at South’s stadium field. Hours of hard work went into fulfilling the dream of nighttime activities at the stadium and Angelo never let up or gave up. His involvement didn’t stop after the lights were in place, however. While you’re at the stadium, perhaps enjoying a night game, listen closely. Angelo is the public address announcer for South’s sporting events. Angelo, you’re a star that helps the athletes of South shine so brightly.