Aimee Schultz, whose two sons attend Cranberry Station Elementary School, was named by state Superintendent of Schools Lillian Lowery as one of the 24 semifinalists for the 2014 Parent Involvement Matters Award.
The semifinalists represent Maryland's 23 counties and Baltimore City. They were nominated based on their contributions in one or more of the five areas of parental involvement: communication, volunteering, learning, decision making and community collaboration.
Schultz is the current president of the school's PTA, according to the Maryland Department of Education website.
She recently led a successful year book project at the school in which every student was showcased with multiple photographs, according to the website.
She expanded fundraising efforts to provide a $50 reimbursement to every teacher for instructional supplies and has championed an "Artist-In-Residence" program at the school, according to the site.
She is currently working on a plan to construct an outdoor classroom at the school and plans monthly family activities, such as movie nights, as well as an annual Family Night at a local amusement center.
The Parent Involvement Matters Award Program recognizes parents and legal guardians who have been nominated for demonstrating significant, positive contributions in their education communities. The program is in its seventh year and the state winner will be announced May 16.
"I continue to be inspired by the level of commitment and dedication that parents and guardians across Maryland have for our public schools," Lowery said in a release from the state Department of Education. "I take pride in honoring them because they play a vital role in the education of our future leaders. Parent involvement is the single most important factor ensuring that our children succeed."
The PIMA Program is supported by the Maryland PTA, Cullins Trucking Inc., Harvest Enterprises Inc., The Mid Atlantic Equity Consortium Inc., and Lifetouch Prestige Portraits.