Resolution Honoring the Utah Parent Teacher Association

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Resolution Honoring the Utah Parent Teacher Association
2026 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Chief Sponsor: Wayne A. Harper
House Sponsor: James A. Dunnigan
LONG TITLE
General Description:
This resolution recognizes the 100th anniversary of the Utah Parent Teacher Association.
Highlighted Provisions:
This resolution:
recognizes the 100th anniversary of the Utah Parent Teacher Association;
acknowledges the importance of engaged and involved parents and families in strong
student academic performance;
recognizes the role of the Utah Parent Teacher Association in engaging parents and
families in their children's education to elevate student performance; and
encourages all citizens of Utah to actively engage in the education of the state's children
and youth.
Money Appropriated in this Bill:
None
Other Special Clauses:
None
Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
WHEREAS, the Utah Parent Teacher Association has led locally, regionally, and nationally
in supporting family engagement and advocating on behalf of all children and families;
WHEREAS, this centennial year provides an opportunity to reflect on the many
accomplishments of the Utah Parent Teacher Association and celebrate 100 years as a
powerful voice for children, a trusted resource for parents, and a strong advocate for public
education;
WHEREAS, the Utah Parent Teacher Association has been instrumental in establishing
programs and services that improve children's lives;
WHEREAS, the Utah Parent Teacher Association has defended public education and
ensured stable funding;
WHEREAS, the Utah Parent Teacher Association has advanced parent and family
engagement in Utah schools;
WHEREAS, the Utah Parent Teacher Association was instrumental in creating kindergarten
with full day options;
WHEREAS, the Utah Parent Teacher Association has promoted child-labor laws and
public-health services;
WHEREAS, the Utah Parent Teacher Association has supported hot-and-healthy lunch
programs in Utah schools;
WHEREAS, the Utah Parent Teacher Association has worked to strengthen the juvenile
justice system;
WHEREAS, the Utah Parent Teacher Association has protected and ensured growth of
public trust lands that benefit Utah school children;
WHEREAS, the Utah Parent Teacher Association has promoted arts in education;
WHEREAS, the Utah Parent Teacher Association has championed school safety;
WHEREAS, the founders of the National Parent Teacher Association, Phoebe Apperson
Hearst and Alice McLellan Birney, together with Selena Sloan Butler, founder of Georgia's
Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers, were visionary women of imagination and courage;
WHEREAS, these remarkable leaders broke through the barriers of their time to improve
the lives of children and families, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire action today;
WHEREAS, these leaders shared a simple yet profound idea to improve the lives and
futures of all children;
WHEREAS, though our nation has changed, that vision endures as local Parent Teacher
Associations continue to keep it alive;
WHEREAS, at the founding meeting of the National Congress of Mothers in February
1897, Mrs. C. E. Allen and Mrs. Arthur Brown of the International Kindergarten Union in Salt
Lake City, Utah, were in attendance;
WHEREAS, since that time, the organization has steadfastly advocated for the education,
health, safety, and well-being of all children, earning broad public appreciation and
recognition;
WHEREAS, in October 1925, at the annual convention of the Utah Education Association,
Margaretta Reeves, President of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers, officially
invited the Utah Mother's Congress to join the national organization;
WHEREAS, accepting this invitation, Utah became the Utah Congress of Parents and
Teachers, with Lucille Young Reid as its first President;
WHEREAS, this marked a new era of parent and family engagement in Utah;
WHEREAS, today, the Utah Parent Teacher Association is the largest volunteer
child-advocacy organization in Utah;
WHEREAS, the Utah Parent Teacher Association unites parents, caregivers, grandparents,
educators, and other caring adults in a shared mission to make every child's potential a reality;
WHEREAS, for a century, the Utah Parent Teacher Association has left a lasting impact on
schools, families, and communities across the state;
WHEREAS, the Utah Parent Teacher Association has fostered leadership and empowered
voices throughout Utah; and
WHEREAS, generations of children have benefited from stronger educational
opportunities, healthier environments, and a greater sense of belonging through the work of the
Utah Parent Teacher Association:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the
Governor concurring therein, honors the 100th anniversary of the Utah Parent Teacher
Association and the thousands of hours parent volunteers have dedicated to support the
education of Utah's students.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor encourage all
citizens of Utah to actively participate in the education of Utah's most precious resource: the
state's children and youth.
1-21-26 2:05 PM