The East St. John High School P.T.O. was excited to kickoff the first meeting Aug. 31 at the newly upgraded facility on Airline Highway.

The kickoff meeting had over 350 parents, students, staff and community members in attendance. The kickoff meeting was definitely a success. We had special guests Sheriff Mike Tregre, Parish President Natalie Robottom, School Board President Keith Jones and Board Member Shawn Wallace.

The P.T.O. officers are President: Paula Henderson, Vice President: Daniel Johnson, Secretary Raynell Turner, Treasurer Kim Holmes, Public Relations Sharone Evans and Emma Morris. Tina Edler and Joetta Matt work closely with all of the counselors: Damecca Jones, Carol Mills, Tia Cambre, Elizabeth Leatherwood and Coy Boe.

We also have assistance from Rosann Hymel, Brenda Vicknair and Teckla Holder. Principal Corey Butler and Assistant Principle Serina Duke, officers and counselors all assisted to make the meeting a success.

Monthly meetings will be held on the last Monday of each month. The ESJ PTO is committed to hosting meetings with important topics for the monthly agenda that will help develop and motivate students and parents for a successful academic year.

Bonnie Dinvaut presented a very important topic on the impact of Social Media at the Aug. 31 meeting. The senior football players, band members and cheerleaders were also recognized and honored. Parents were also recognized for their support.

Our goal and method to attract parental support is student recognition and informative college preparatory presentations. For example, the next meeting will be held Oct. 5 at 6 p.m. The PTO will recognize Beta Club members, Track/Field/Cross Country athletes and the Sugarettes.

We will also have a tribute for Breast Cancer Awareness month.

We are encouraging more parents to come out, gain valuable information and enjoy a great evening networking with the administration.

We are really looking for ways to bring awareness and increase participation into this positive monthly meeting.

Paula Henderson is the East St. John High School P.T.O. President. She can be reached at 504-813-7878.