Change is critical to the long-term success of an organization. This is particularly true of a school that just celebrated 50 years of outstanding education. As the years pass, we have to say goodbye to staff, trustees, and the amazing families that have passed through to the world beyond MMS. While it is always difficult to see people that have meant so much to an organization move on, their leaving provides an opportunity to usher in a new generation of students and families that will continue to expand the rich community that defines MMS.
Last year we said goodbye to our Parent Association President, Lisa Pelkey. Lisa and her husband Andy have allowed us to educate their exceptional daughters, Kirsten (’09) and Melissa (’11) and we are proud to celebrate in their successes as they proceed to high school, college and beyond. As Lisa steps down, she allows her successor, Janet Lucas-Taylor to step up.
Janet was selected as Parent Association President Elect at the end of the 2009-2010 school year, and for the last year she has worked diligently under the tutelage of Lisa in preparation for her new role. Janet decided to run for Parent Association President in the spring of 2010 because she recognized how much volunteering impacts the success of a school like MMS. “Volunteering is important to the success of the school and ultimately, the success of our children,” she stated. She recognized that becoming a part of the MMS community through the Parent Association was a way to support what happens inside the classroom.
Janet’s daughter, Petra Taylor, who is in Mrs. Wijenayake’s class, remarks that her mom is going to be a good PA President because her mom is “really nice and she likes to do things for people.”
Outside of volunteering her time at MMS, Janet likes to spend her free time accomplishing remarkable athletic feats. She describes this summer as her “summer of firsts,” as she competed in her first Great Lakes Duathlon Series, her first half marathon, and she will be completing both her first Olympic Triathlon and first marathon in the next two weeks. She says this is all leading up to the most difficult challenge, the Ironman Triathlon in 2013. In addition, Janet and her husband Stephen enjoy vacationing with their daughter at their house in the Upper Peninsula and spending time with family that live in the area.
Her vision for the Parent Association in the years ahead is to create a “fun and engaging organization that will create a sense of community at the school and help families make the most of their experience at MMS.” As we say goodbye to our much beloved Parent Association President, Lisa Pelkey, we ask you to join us in welcoming someone who has become a great friend and advocate for MMS, Janet Lucas-Taylor.
Questions?
If you are interested in joining any of planning committees or you would like get involved in any of our events, please contact:
Janet Lucas-Taylor, PA President
Stephanie Ziemke, Director of Development