ALEXANDRIA, VA. (March 6, 2012) - National PTA® this week is recognizing Amy Zink for receiving the prestigious Shirley Igo 2012 Advocate of the Year Award. A military mom, Zink's commitment to advocacy efforts on behalf of the European PTA is above and beyond her normal call of duty. 

Zink joined the European Congress in 2006 when her daughter entered school in Germany.  She was President of the Netzaberg Elementary PTA during the 2010-2011 school year and served as Vice President of Federal Legislation (FLC) for the European PTA during the same year. After a military move back to the U.S. last summer, Zink now serves as a Region Director on the Tennessee Board of Managers.

Zink spearheaded efforts to establish a comprehensive wellness policy for Department of Defense (DoD) students inclusive of standardized care plans and adherence to nutritional guidelines.  This is the first policy of its kind since DoD schools were created at the end of World War II. 

Notably, the updated policy will result in a standardized form and application procedure for special needs students so that no matter where a family is assigned - and no matter how many times they move - parents can use the same form. The new policy will reach 36,000 students in DODDS Europe schools, as well as students in DEDDS schools and DODDS Pacific schools.

Zink will be recognized, along with other Advocacy Award recipients this week during National PTA’s® Legislative Conference (March 7-8) in Washington, DC. The two-day conference provides ‘grasstop’ leaders from across the country an in-depth look at the latest National PTA Public Policy Agenda through a series of workshops, skill building trainings, panel discussions and guest speakers. Parent leaders will then visit with congressional leaders to advocate for effective family engagement in education and equity and opportunity in education for all children.

In addition, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will also meet with National PTA leaders and discuss the state of education during a special keynote address.  The complete agenda for the conference can be found here. For more information about the National PTA Legislative Conference, please visit www.pta.org.  The 2012 National PTA Federal Public Policy Agenda can be viewed at www.pta.org/public_policy_agenda.asp.

About Shirley Igo Advocate of the Year Award
The 2012 Shirley Igo Advocate of the Year award will be presented to an individual PTA member, who through their leadership and advocacy efforts, affected federal policy priorities within PTA’s annual Public Policy Agenda. Shirley was a model of public service and volunteerism throughout her life. She was an impassioned and compassionate leader, dedicated to moving PTA forward and committed to ensuring that others would follow.

About National PTA
National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers,administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.