Volunteer of the Month
Each month the Executive Board selects individuals who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to volunteer around the school or at one of our PTA events!
Ashley DeMent
Volunteer of the Month | April 2022
What has been a highlight of serving the BES community?
Being involved on campus, and having the opportunity to see our wonderful teachers & staff in action. Also, getting to know other BES families and develping relationships within our BES community.
Being involved on campus, and having the opportunity to see our wonderful teachers & staff in action. Also, getting to know other BES families and develping relationships within our BES community.
What are 3 words you would use to describe PTA?
Dedicated, Engaged, Caring
What have you gained from serving in the PTA?
I am thankful for opportunity to give back to BES, and I have learned just how much our PTA does for the school. I have gained new friendships and insight to what we can do to enrich our students and staff.
I am thankful for opportunity to give back to BES, and I have learned just how much our PTA does for the school. I have gained new friendships and insight to what we can do to enrich our students and staff.
What is the most challenging thing about serving in PTA?
The time it takes to serve our school is challenging and also rewarding.
Brandon Dunaway
Volunteer of the Month | April 2022
What has been a highlight of serving the BES community?
The pay along with access to the secret PTA clubhouse. And most importantly being a part of a great community and team that gets to do amazing things with our students.
The pay along with access to the secret PTA clubhouse. And most importantly being a part of a great community and team that gets to do amazing things with our students.
What are 3 words you would use to describe PTA?
Fun, Fun, and Fun
Fun, Fun, and Fun
What have you gained from serving in the PTA?
Great Friends and better grades for my kids.
What is the most challenging thing about serving in PTA?
Coming up with creative lies to tell my boss as to why I am missing or late for work.
Coming up with creative lies to tell my boss as to why I am missing or late for work.
Charlie Jones
Volunteer of the Month | April 2022
Charlie’s willingness to not only serve alongside the Watch D.O.G.S. at Chalk Fest but to also identify those kiddos that didn’t have tickets and ensure they got a hot dog anyway did not go unnoticed!l We appreciate him for helping in such a special way!
Jeanette Webster
Volunteer of the Month | March 2022
What has been a highlight of serving the BES community?
I love that through my various roles on the PTA I have the opportunity to keep our Bridlewood families connected to our school community. Book Fair is so fun because it brings so much joy to so many people and offers families a way to connect while helping the school at the same time.
I love that through my various roles on the PTA I have the opportunity to keep our Bridlewood families connected to our school community. Book Fair is so fun because it brings so much joy to so many people and offers families a way to connect while helping the school at the same time.
What are 3 words you would use to describe PTA?
The three words I’d use to describe the PTA include passionate, committed, and enterprising.
The three words I’d use to describe the PTA include passionate, committed, and enterprising.
What have you gained from serving in the PTA?
Serving in the PTA has provided me with a better understanding of how our school is run. There is a lot happening behind the scenes and without the PTA things would look and feel very different.
What is the most challenging thing about serving in PTA?
Time! There are so many amazing and fun ways to give back to our school, we just have to be able to find that balance!
Time! There are so many amazing and fun ways to give back to our school, we just have to be able to find that balance!
Lindsey Wielgosz
Volunteer of the Month | March 2022
What has been a highlight of serving the BES community?
Getting to know our students and their families by being involved and back on campus this year has been amazing!
Getting to know our students and their families by being involved and back on campus this year has been amazing!
What are 3 words you would use to describe PTA?
Dedicated, Strong Leaders, Open to New Ideas
Dedicated, Strong Leaders, Open to New Ideas
What have you gained from serving in the PTA?
I have gained perspective and understanding of what hard work and effort these parents and volunteers put in to make BES the most wonderful place for our children to grow up! We are blessed with an amazing group of parents.
I have gained perspective and understanding of what hard work and effort these parents and volunteers put in to make BES the most wonderful place for our children to grow up! We are blessed with an amazing group of parents.
What is the most challenging thing about serving in PTA?
There is always more to do! As a working professional, it’s hard to make it all work, but staying in communications would be helpful so that I can do as much as I can to help out!
Kathleen Cervenka
Volunteer of the Month | February 2022
What has been a highlight of serving the BES community?
It has been a joy getting to know the precious students, dedicated teachers and caring parents that make Bridlewood a special place. I hope I have been able to make a difference for the kids at our school.
It has been a joy getting to know the precious students, dedicated teachers and caring parents that make Bridlewood a special place. I hope I have been able to make a difference for the kids at our school.
What are 3 words you would use to describe PTA?
Dedicated, Creative, Helpful
Dedicated, Creative, Helpful
What have you gained from serving in the PTA?
I have gained friends and a greater appreciation for our teachers and administration at Bridlewood!
What is the most challenging thing about serving in PTA?
It is tough to not volunteer for all the opportunities to make a difference at Bridlewood!
It is tough to not volunteer for all the opportunities to make a difference at Bridlewood!
Carrie Wood
Volunteer of the Month | February 2022
What has been a highlight of serving the BES community?
I just love seeing the creativity and resilience the kids exhibit so often! They are flexible and make the best of what life has given them in these last couple years and still shine!
I just love seeing the creativity and resilience the kids exhibit so often! They are flexible and make the best of what life has given them in these last couple years and still shine!
What are 3 words you would use to describe PTA?
Diligent, Generous, Committed
Diligent, Generous, Committed
What have you gained from serving in the PTA?
I enjoyed meeting other students and their families I didn’t get to meet before and benefitted from great support from the PTA. What is the most challenging thing about serving in PTA?
I enjoyed meeting other students and their families I didn’t get to meet before and benefitted from great support from the PTA. What is the most challenging thing about serving in PTA?
We are all busy and it’s hard to think we have the time to serve in a PTA capacity. But, once we schedule it and commit it just works out and it is so rewarding!
Dawn Altenhofen
Volunteer of the Month | January 2022
What has been a highlight of serving the BES community?
One of the highlights of participating in the PTA, is that I’ve gotten to know the other parents and students better.
One of the highlights of participating in the PTA, is that I’ve gotten to know the other parents and students better.
What are 3 words you would use to describe PTA?
I believe the PTA is hardworking, caring and resourceful
I believe the PTA is hardworking, caring and resourceful
What have you gained from serving in the PTA?
I enjoy supporting an organization who’s goal is to improve our children’s school.
I enjoy supporting an organization who’s goal is to improve our children’s school.
What is the most challenging thing about serving in PTA?
It is challenging to see that 90% of the work done by the PTA is done by 10% of the members.
It is challenging to see that 90% of the work done by the PTA is done by 10% of the members.
Deirdre Parry
Volunteer of the Month | January 2022
What has been a highlight of serving the BES community?
What are 3 words you would use to describe PTA?
What have you gained from serving in the PTA?
What is the most challenging thing about serving in PTA?
Trish Wehrle
Volunteer of the Month | December 2021
Trish produced our beautiful PTA directory this year. This is a fabulous perk enjoyed by our members, and we really appreciate the time and effort that Trish put in behind the scenes to create this year’s book!
Tiana Atkins
Volunteer of the Month | December 2021
What has been a highlight of serving the BES community?
Having just moved to Flower Mound in June 2020 (beginning of Covid) it’s seemed impossible to connect with members of our new community. Service at BES has allowed us to not only create relationships but to foster friendships I believe will be lifelong!
Having just moved to Flower Mound in June 2020 (beginning of Covid) it’s seemed impossible to connect with members of our new community. Service at BES has allowed us to not only create relationships but to foster friendships I believe will be lifelong!
What are 3 words you would use to describe PTA?
Connection, Creativity, & Community
Connection, Creativity, & Community
What have you gained from serving in the PTA?
I have gained the ability to trust that my fellow PTA members want nothing more than the shared successes of our endeavors..
I have gained the ability to trust that my fellow PTA members want nothing more than the shared successes of our endeavors..
What is the most challenging thing about serving in PTA?
The limitations and restrictions of Covid have been the most challenging, to make successful events possible. But where there is a will there is a way!
Lisa Murphy
Volunteer of the Month | November 2021
What has been a highlight of serving the BES community?
A highlight of serving the BES community has been having the opportunity to show the teachers and staff at the school just how grateful the families are for their dedication to our children. It’s been a challenging few years, and in the face of that, our kids still have a safe, happy, and supportive environment every day. They deserve all of the thanks and recognition we can provide.
A highlight of serving the BES community has been having the opportunity to show the teachers and staff at the school just how grateful the families are for their dedication to our children. It’s been a challenging few years, and in the face of that, our kids still have a safe, happy, and supportive environment every day. They deserve all of the thanks and recognition we can provide.
What are 3 words you would use to describe PTA?
Fun, generous, and invaluable
Fun, generous, and invaluable
What have you gained from serving in the PTA?
From serving the PTA, I have gained a greater connection to the school. This is our first year attending BES, and it was wonderful to have an opportunity to jump right in and feel like I could be connected in a small way.
From serving the PTA, I have gained a greater connection to the school. This is our first year attending BES, and it was wonderful to have an opportunity to jump right in and feel like I could be connected in a small way.
What is the most challenging thing about serving in PTA?
The most challenging part of serving the PTA has been at times finding creative solutions in the face of changing guidelines. As important as the mandates can be, you can’t always do things the way you would ideally plan them. But it’s been really fun seeing how the PTA always adapts and still finds so many fun and original ways to reach the staff, students, and families to ensure no one misses out.
The most challenging part of serving the PTA has been at times finding creative solutions in the face of changing guidelines. As important as the mandates can be, you can’t always do things the way you would ideally plan them. But it’s been really fun seeing how the PTA always adapts and still finds so many fun and original ways to reach the staff, students, and families to ensure no one misses out.
Laura Wickham
Volunteer of the Month | November 2021
What has been a highlight of serving the BES community?
I have loved how serving the BES community brings connection. Without my time working in the PTA, I would not have the friendships that I do. I also love that it gives me a closer glimpse into what my kids go off and do for 7 hours a day! I know the staff and my kids friends, which is a huge bonus!
What are 3 words you would use to describe PTA?
Connection, service, support
What have you gained from serving in the PTA?
Like I said previously, I have gained an appreciation for our community and friendships through serving in the PTA!
What is the most challenging thing about serving in PTA?
Whenever you bring a large, diverse group of people together, there will be differences of opinions. It can be tricky to give everyone a “voice”. Luckily, we ALL have the same endgame in mind—helping our kids to be happy and receive the best educational experience possible.
Cristiane Foust
Volunteer of the Month | October 2021
What has been a highlight of serving the BES community?
I have always been impressed by how the Bronco Bash has positively impacted the BES community. The involvement of everyone with the Bronco Bash has been outstanding and has led to a very successful event throughout the years.
I have always been impressed by how the Bronco Bash has positively impacted the BES community. The involvement of everyone with the Bronco Bash has been outstanding and has led to a very successful event throughout the years.
What are 3 words you would use to describe PTA?
Leadership, Commitment, Ownership
Leadership, Commitment, Ownership
What have you gained from serving in the PTA?
A renewed appreciation for what can be accomplished with teamwork.It has been rewarding to work closely with a dedicated group of volunteers focused on achieving a common goal. My involvement has also helped me to become more familiar with BES staff, parents and students.
A renewed appreciation for what can be accomplished with teamwork.It has been rewarding to work closely with a dedicated group of volunteers focused on achieving a common goal. My involvement has also helped me to become more familiar with BES staff, parents and students.
What is the most challenging thing about serving in PTA?
Establishing a healthy “volunteer-life balance”!
Establishing a healthy “volunteer-life balance”!
Karen Waters
Volunteer of the Month | October 2021
What has been a highlight of serving the BES community?
The highlight has been working with such a thoughtful group of ladies who truly serve and want the best for our school.
What are 3 words you would use to describe PTA?
Dedicated leaders who are selfless.
What have you gained from serving in the PTA?
I am amazed of everything the PTA does in helping our families and school and how far they reach in helping others.
What is the most challenging thing about serving in PTA?
The most challenging aspect is balancing the time commitment with other obligations but it’s definitely worth it!!
Elaine Rudebusch
Volunteer of the Month | September 2021
What has been a highlight of serving the BES community?
A highlight of serving the BES community has been meeting and getting to know other Bridlewood families. I also enjoyed being able to provide a way for students and parents to show their Bridlewood spirit both at school and around the community!
A highlight of serving the BES community has been meeting and getting to know other Bridlewood families. I also enjoyed being able to provide a way for students and parents to show their Bridlewood spirit both at school and around the community!
What are 3 words you would use to describe PTA?
Helpful, resourceful, and dedicated
Helpful, resourceful, and dedicated
What have you gained from serving in the PTA?
I have gained valuable relationships with other PTA members and BES families, helpful knowledge of how PTA serves our students and staff, and a love of service.
I have gained valuable relationships with other PTA members and BES families, helpful knowledge of how PTA serves our students and staff, and a love of service.
What is the most challenging thing about serving in PTA?
The most challenging part of serving on PTA is making decisions that will provide the most benefit to the BES fundraising effort!
The most challenging part of serving on PTA is making decisions that will provide the most benefit to the BES fundraising effort!
Shelby Strafel
Volunteer of the Month | September 2021
What has been a highlight of serving the BES community?
A highlight of serving the BES community is getting to know so many other families. Being a transplant to Texas, it is wonderful to have such a strong network here in Bridlewood. Over the years, we have developed deep friendships that have become family, and for that I am very grateful.
What are 3 words you would use to describe PTA?
Essential and improving each year
What have you gained from serving in the PTA?
I have gained valuable insights into what it takes to fund a school. Every dollar earned by the PTA is critical in funding the myriad of things we provide to our students/teachers from monthly educational magazines, to class parties, to robots for STEM education. PTA is vital to a school’s health.
What is the most challenging thing about serving in PTA?
Serving on the PTA is in many ways is like running a small business. The challenge is developing processes that withstand the test of time, so that future volunteers can step in and take vacated roles with limited disruption/training. In the last several years, our PTA has done a great job of starting to pen detailed “job descriptions” so that this machine continues to run, without losing so much data every time a single person moves on. We are working smarter, not harder!
Nathan Swaim
Volunteer of the Month | August 2021
What has been a highlight of serving the BES community?
They say hard work pays off and while it’s certainly true, seeing the exponential positive effect that comes from something you did is almost unmeasurable as a dividend. Working to improve the outdoor classroom and then seeing our incredible teachers use it as a tool to teach was certainly the highlight for me.
They say hard work pays off and while it’s certainly true, seeing the exponential positive effect that comes from something you did is almost unmeasurable as a dividend. Working to improve the outdoor classroom and then seeing our incredible teachers use it as a tool to teach was certainly the highlight for me.
What are 3 words you would use to describe PTA?
Symbiotic, committed, impressive
Symbiotic, committed, impressive
What have you gained from serving in the PTA?
Gratitude and a strong reminder that the more you give the more you get in return. I’m grateful for the tremendous efforts committed each day by the BES staff and faculty. I’m also grateful to have the skills and abilities that others afforded to teach me which I now use to help others. Knowing that the little bit of time and work spent serving makes a difference and helps our teachers, students, and school is rewarding for sure and ultimately helps me pay it forward for the incredible people who did the same for me. If that’s not return on investment I don’t know what is!
Gratitude and a strong reminder that the more you give the more you get in return. I’m grateful for the tremendous efforts committed each day by the BES staff and faculty. I’m also grateful to have the skills and abilities that others afforded to teach me which I now use to help others. Knowing that the little bit of time and work spent serving makes a difference and helps our teachers, students, and school is rewarding for sure and ultimately helps me pay it forward for the incredible people who did the same for me. If that’s not return on investment I don’t know what is!
What is the most challenging thing about serving in PTA?
Dodging chicken poo. You’d be surprised at how difficult it is to dismantle a chicken coop and not get any in your hair or on your face!. Oh, and Fire Ants.. They really don’t like you taking their rotten wood burrows out of the ground! I love the outdoors and sometimes it doesn’t love me back but it’s always worth it and rewarding.
Dodging chicken poo. You’d be surprised at how difficult it is to dismantle a chicken coop and not get any in your hair or on your face!. Oh, and Fire Ants.. They really don’t like you taking their rotten wood burrows out of the ground! I love the outdoors and sometimes it doesn’t love me back but it’s always worth it and rewarding.
Delia Kemp
Volunteer of the Month | August 2021
What has been a highlight of serving the BES community?
The highlight has been getting to know other BES families especially during a pandemic.
What are 3 words you would use to describe PTA?
Engaging, Hardworking, Supportive
What have you gained from serving in the PTA?
I have gained a network of new friends and the ability to feel connected with what’s happening in our school/community.
What is the most challenging thing about serving in PTA?
The biggest challenge for me was serving during a pandemic when there was minimal in person interaction!
Kristen Skistimas
Volunteer of the Month | April 2021
What has been a highlight of serving the BES community?
I served as the hospitality chair for two years at BES, and I loved serving our teachers/staff and showing them the appreciation they very much deserve. It is always rewarding to know you helped make someone else smile.
I served as the hospitality chair for two years at BES, and I loved serving our teachers/staff and showing them the appreciation they very much deserve. It is always rewarding to know you helped make someone else smile.
What are 3 words you would use to describe PTA?
Dedicated, Hardworking, Exhausting (but worth it)
Dedicated, Hardworking, Exhausting (but worth it)
What have you gained from serving in the PTA?
The group of volunteers we have at BES are some of the most dedicated servants I have ever met. The friendships gained are precious and knowing what we do benefits our teachers and students is incredibly rewarding. We are our child’s best advocate and being involved in their school is the greatest advocacy we can provide them.
The group of volunteers we have at BES are some of the most dedicated servants I have ever met. The friendships gained are precious and knowing what we do benefits our teachers and students is incredibly rewarding. We are our child’s best advocate and being involved in their school is the greatest advocacy we can provide them.
What is the most challenging thing about serving in PTA?
It takes a lot of time to do the job well. There is so much work that happens behind the scenes. I have missed being on campus and making personal connections with our teachers/staff and other PTA members.
It takes a lot of time to do the job well. There is so much work that happens behind the scenes. I have missed being on campus and making personal connections with our teachers/staff and other PTA members.
Rachel Baker
Volunteer of the Month | March 2021
What has been a highlight of serving the BES community?
I have enjoyed meeting new people in the BES community including teachers and other volunteers. It’s nice to hear that the teachers appreciate the support we provide them.
What are 3 words you would use to describe PTA?
Engaging, fun, supportive
What have you gained from serving in the PTA?
A great network of other BES PTA volunteers.
What is the most challenging thing about serving in PTA?
Coming up with creative ways to connect with the teachers and staff and show our appreciation during this crazy year.
Kim Jones
Volunteer of the Month | February 2021
What has been a highlight of serving the BES community?
Getting to know other parents who want to support the school as much as I do.
What are 3 words you would use to describe PTA?
Supportive, innovative and giving.
What have you gained from serving in the PTA?
Allowed to be so thankful for BES’s teachers and staff during a crazy, unpredictable school year.
What is the most challenging thing about serving in PTA?
Not being able to grow in-person connections Teachers and Staff, along with the PTA.
Kristen Hallinan
Volunteer of the Month | December 2020
What has been a highlight of serving the BES community?
Meeting fellow parents who care deeply about the success of Bridlewood and the success of their children has definitely been a highlight!
What are 3 words you would use to describe PTA?
I would describe the PTA as engaged, resourceful and very diligent!
What have you gained from serving in the PTA?
I have certainly gained an extra dose of appreciation for how much love and energy goes into every event or initiative put on by Bridlewood’s PTA. T-shirts don’t make themselves and book fairs don’t just show up!
What is the most challenging thing about serving in PTA?
I believe the most challenging thing about serving in PTA is making decisions about where limited resources are allocated; all the suggestions and initiatives are so deserving and could be so impactful. What a beautiful problem to have!
Laura Wickham
Volunteer of the Month | November 2020
What has been a highlight of serving the BES community?
I have loved serving our community and kids in multiple ways, but one of my favorite memories has been cleaning up and redoing the kindergarten free choice center room in 2017. I met some amazing moms and was able to help create such a fun space for our kindergarteners to be kids and play!
What are 3 words you would use to describe PTA?
Dedicated, Involved, and Serving.
What have you gained from serving in the PTA?
I have gained so many valuable relationships with other parents and teachers who are involved in making our school a success. Without being involved in PTA, I would not have felt as connected to what’s going on at our school, getting to know the teachers/staff, and finding other families to create friendships with.
What is the most challenging thing about serving in PTA?
There is never enough time! It would be great to have all the time and resources in the world to do whatever was wanted/needed, but we have to be mindful of our and others’ personal limits!
Brooke Morford
Volunteer of the Month | July 2020
What has been a highlight of serving the BES community?
Serving as the Bronco Bash Sales Chair and the Box Tops Chair, it surprised me to see how excited my children were to see me volunteer. They were SO happy to help me deliver spirit sticks for various contests or to count admission tickets. They wanted to come with me to ask local business for donations for school fundraisers. They were elated every time they saw me at school “working for PTA” to help make their school a fun place to be.
What are 3 words you would use to describe PTA?
Helpful, Creative, Fun.
What have you gained from serving in the PTA?
One of the reasons we chose to transfer to BES is because of the PTA’s reputation for excellence and active parent involvement. We wanted to be part of a community that gave us the opportunity to model the importance of service to our children. I want to teach them to give back! I have also gained many great friends through serving in PTA. Since we transferred into BES, I don’t think we would have made so many BES friends so quickly if it had not been for the PTA.
What is the most challenging thing about serving in PTA?
It is challenging to serve in PTA if you still have babies/toddlers at home; however, the PTA offers many different positions with varying degrees of time commitments. It is not difficult to find a small OR large role that makes an impact that can be done virtually or in the evenings/weekends.
Cristiane Foust
Volunteer of the Month | June 2020
What has been a highlight of serving the BES community?
I was very impressed by how much Bronco Bash has been positively impacting the BES community. For the last two years, I have been involved in promoting Bronco Bash at Marcus Homecoming Carnival, responsible for vendor booths along with many other duties for the Bronco Bash and BES Buzz. My experience was delightful and I loved to see the involvement of the entire community and how everyone was always going above and beyond to make this a very successful event.
What are 3 words you would use to describe PTA?
Rewarding, Caring, Fun.
What have you gained from serving in the PTA?
It made me understand what PTA entails and how important it is to the BES community. Bronco Bash, Book Fair and Build a Bronco are just a few examples of the importance of BES PTA. It also gave me the opportunity to be more familiar with BES staff, parents and students.
What is the most challenging thing about serving in PTA?
Establishing a healthy “volunteer-life balance” since I love to participate in as many BES PTA activities as possible.
Jonathan Cervenka
Volunteer of the Month | May 2020
What has been a highlight of serving the BES community?
A highlight for me is just helping a kid smile.
What are 3 words you would use to describe PTA?
Passionate, caring, energetic
What have you gained from serving in the PTA?
I have gained a better understanding of the amount of energy it takes for our staff and students to accomplish their daily goals.
What is the most challenging thing about serving in PTA?
Saying no, because I know I’ll do it.
Laura Riley
Volunteer of the Month | April 2020
What has been a highlight of serving the BES community?
The highlight of serving as the Book Fair Chairman has been seeing the excitement of the children when they come into the fair. It warms my heart to see the joy on their faces when they find a book they want to purchase. My son adores that I am the book fair chair. I love how proud he is that I am running the fair. Since I am new to Bridlewood Elementary this year I have really enjoyed getting to know other parents on on the PTA. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming.
What are 3 words you would use to describe PTA?
Friendship, Fun, Rewarding
What have you gained from serving in the PTA?
I have gained so much from serving the PTA! It has given me the opportunity to really get to know the staff and other parents at the school. Without volunteering I do not think I would have had that same experience.
What is the most challenging thing about serving in PTA?
Since I am new to Bridlewood this year, the Fall book fair was difficult for me because I was not familiar yet with the staff, the building, and other parents. I definitely feel next year will be much easier.
Jay Stobie
Volunteer of the Month | March 2020
What has been a highlight of serving the BES community?
The highlight of my services over the years with the communications team has been the ability of the BES community easily and efficiently acquire information from the PTA website. Knowing that a central place for parents to go for the latest news, events and information is available at their fingertips by phone or computer is second to none in the area.
What are 3 words you would use to describe PTA?
Passionate, Serving, Compassionate
What have you gained from serving in the PTA?
A clear understanding of the entirety of the PTA and what is involved in the PTA organization. When comparing to other PTA organizations, there is a clear and divided difference that makes me proud to support the BES PTA.
What is the most challenging thing about serving in PTA?
The most challenging part of serving the PTA is the endeavor of attempting something most PTA organizations don’t even put an ounce of effort into at all. What BES has done with their PTA website has changed the whole dynamic of how a PTA can reach its members and keep in contact with their community.