In 2008, the Grace Patterson Elementary PTO in Vallejo, Calif., was on the brink of disbanding. But things began to change when a dedicated group of parents and teachers met and decided to restructure the PTO, resulting in the 2010 award for Outstanding Effort To Overcome Adversity. Interested members were invited to attend monthly planning meetings to help plan community-building events like a games night and multicultural potluck and support learning opportunities for students. At the end of the year, leaders held an awards assembly followed by a brunch for 50 parent volunteers. The special recognition created a buzz among students whose parents were honored.
