Here at Apex High School, we have a PTSA. The PTSA stands for Parent Teacher Student Association. The PTSA holds fundraisers fairly often and even had an auction during spring semester last school year. The PTSA raises a lot of money, but what is the money used for? I interviewed a PTSA member and fundraising coordinator, Kay Campbell, to ask what exactly the money is used for and who does it benefit.

“The PTSA raises money in numerous ways throughout the academic school year.  The funds are used to support our mission of acting as an advocate for education, health, safety, and success for all Apex High School students while building strong families and a supportive community,” Ms. Campbell said.

For fundraisers, the PTSA hosts Spirit Nights at local restaurants, sells car wash tickets, holds an annual silent auction, and sells school spirit wear, which allows students to show their pride in their school. The parents of seniors seem to especially like the senior yard signs the PTSA also sells. In addition, the PTSA accepts corporate donations and “give back” funds from merchants when AHS families buy products from those stores. 

With these funds, the PTSA provides “programs and services to our students and teachers. This year, we launched the ‘Bright Futures’ initiative which provides students and parents with information such as college preparation and securing a job and other life skills as students course through high school and on to further education and careers,” Ms. Campbell added. Also, Ms. Campbell stated that PTSA “recognizes students who achieve honor roll status throughout the year. Teachers are awarded grants for specific projects that provide students with valuable opportunities in the classroom as well as extracurricular activities. During the year, our dedicated teachers and staff are also recognized with meals and snacks to let them know they are appreciated, as well as formally celebrated during Appreciation Week.” 

The PTSA does a lot of great things for our school, the students, and the teachers and staff. The fundraising efforts of the PTSA benefit many students’ lives. As Ms. Campbell summed it up, fundraising continues because “with more funding, the PTSA will be able to accomplish even more for our students, parents, and staff.”