McAuliffe honored as Washington State PTA 2006 “friend of children”

OLYMPIA – For her ongoing efforts to ensure high-quality public schools and safe, healthy communities for all Washington children, Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, D-Bothell, has been awarded the Washington State PTA’s 2006 Friend of Children Award.

“Providing opportunities for all children is what drives me every day,” McAuliffe said. “Our schools and communities are so much stronger when we bring parents, teachers and students together, and that’s what the WSPTA does. I’m happy to be able to help them in that mission.”

The Washington State PTA (WSPTA) presents the award to a group or individual performing outstanding work on behalf of children throughout the year.

McAuliffe has served in the Washington Senate since 1993. Before that, she was a school board member in the Northshore School District. She has worked tirelessly on behalf of children, championing legislation to:

• Help all students meet Washington’s academic standards and prepare for success beyond high school;
• Make Washington’s public universities and colleges accessible and affordable;
• Improve learning opportunities for students with language disabilities; and
• Educate families on important public safety issues including Internet safety, child abduction prevention and identifying warning signs of sex predators.

McAuliffe also serves on the Washington Learns Steering Committee and chairs the Senate Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education Committee.

McAuliffe joins a long list of distinguished honorees. Former Gov. Gary Locke, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and then-Attorney General Chris Gregoire all have previously earned the award.

“Senator McAuliffe spent the past year really listening to communities and to families,” said WSPTA Government Relations Director Mary Kenfield. “She was the conduit for courageous conversations this session, and she always puts children in the center of policy discussions. We at WSPTA admire her ability to stay focused and committed to children on even the toughest issues.”

Rep. Dave Quall, D-Mount Vernon, also will be honored when the awards are presented at WSPTA’s annual convention in May.

WSPTA is a nonprofit membership association that seeks to bring together homes, schools and community on behalf of all children and youth.

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