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Lynnette Zhong -PTSA president
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Why to be volunteer in PTSA
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When my daughter started school in 2024, we faced a challenge many families knew all too well: the pandemic had left us with no after-school programs. As a busy, full-time working mom juggling a 2:30 PM dismissal, I wanted to find a way to nurture my daughter’s passion for chess. That spark led me to reach out to the PTSA and school administration.
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What started as a simple inquiry turned into something much bigger. Through those conversations, I truly got to know our wonderful school administrators and met an incredible network of warm-hearted, dedicated parents. For the first time, I felt deeply rooted in this community.
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Inspired to give back, I stepped up to help—and together, we brought the chess program to
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life for the April 2025 semester, alongside several other after-school clubs!
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But the most rewarding part of this journey has been watching my own children witness this contribution. Seeing their family get involved has made them incredibly excited to help their school community in their own ways. Children truly learn from their parents, and by stepping up, we show them what it means to be part of a village.
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Our PTSA is the heartbeat of our school. If you’ve ever seen a gap and thought, 'I wish we had that,' join us. Let's show our kids what's possible when parents come together.
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Favorite Part of Volunteering
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My children have watched my involvement, and it has inspired a desire in them to serve their own school community. They learn how to contribute to the world by watching their families lead, and they are eager to help in any way they can
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I hope more new parents volunteers could join PTSA board, and help organize community connections events for the school.
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Shilpa Makineni - VP of Events
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Why to be volunteer in PTSA
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To be more involved in school events; I saw a need for fundraising and I had an idea. One thing led to another and before I knew it I got recruited to the board
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Favorite Part of Volunteering
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The volunteers are greatly appreciated; by volunteering in PTSA, We create opportunities to gather and give kids a better experience.
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Serena Ji - VP of Membership and Club
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Why to be volunteer in PTSA
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I chose to volunteer with the PTSA because I wanted to be more involved in the school community and support students beyond the classroom. I enjoy helping create meaningful activities and a positive environment for students, parents, and teachers. When I saw how much students benefited from after-school activities and school events, I realized that parent volunteers play an important role in making those opportunities possible. That inspired me to get involved and help support the school community.
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Favorite Part of Volunteering
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My favorite thing about our school and the PTSA is the strong sense of community. I appreciate how parents, teachers, and volunteers work together to support students and create meaningful activities beyond the classroom.
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Mozhgan Torabifard - VP of communication
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Why to be volunteer in PTSA
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I strongly believe that education is a partnership between school and parents, and I would like to do my part by volunteering with the PTSA. I feel that this is a meaningful way to be involved in my son's education and allow me to serve as a role model to teach him the importance of giving back to the community.
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Favorite Part of Volunteering
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I have witnessed the dedicated efforts of the school staff and parents to keep our community thriving. This commitment is deeply meaningful to me, and I truly appreciate everything being done to support this community.
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Bhargava Katta - Newsletter Editor
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Why to be volunteer in PTSA
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Stay actively involved in my child’s school community; while helping with the school newsletter, I saw how small contributions can make a meaningful impact on students and the school community, which motivated me to get more involved.
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Favorite Part of Volunteering
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My favorite thing about our school and the PTSA is the strong sense of community and how everyone works together to support students’ growth and success. It’s inspiring to see parents and teachers collaborate so closely.
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Harikrishna Burlagadda - Newsletter and Web Editor
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Why to be volunteer in PTSA
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I am passionate about community service and wanted to engage more deeply with our school. I've truly enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people, share cultural experiences, and support our collective goals.
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I was raised with the belief that we have a responsibility to the communities we belong to. My father was the living embodiment of this—he chose the fulfillment of service over the ease of just 'attending.' That lesson stayed with me, and it is the fuel for my own passion for volunteering. I don't just want to be present; I want to be purposeful, just as he was.
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Favorite Part of Volunteering
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I just love how everyone here feels like family. The staff is so humble and always has an open ear for our children. To me, the PTSA is all about making sure every student feels supported. It’s a joy to help kids grow through their challenges and see them discover how strong they really are.
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Erika Dowd - Book Fair Co-Chair
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Why to be volunteer in PTSA:
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I started volunteering as a new parent to Cherry Crest, as a way to get connected to the community and meet staff and other families. Having an active PTSA brings so many opportunities to our children, such as field trips, guest speakers, school wide activities and more
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Favorite Part of Volunteering
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There are so many fun activities and ways to get involved!
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Camille - Passport Club Lead
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Why to be volunteer in PTSA
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There was a club's night when Leila was in first grade. I signed her up for Passport Club in person, but no one ever got back to me. I was frustrated and disappointed. When I saw the club needed a new leader the following school year, I decided to step up.
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Favorite Part of Volunteering:
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Cherry Crest parents really want their kids to be able to experience everything and will step in when needed to make events and clubs happen. Our school community is welcoming to all, regardless of background.
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PTSA is looking for new board members for the 2026–2027 school year! PTSA can only operate when dedicated community volunteers step into these roles to support efforts that directly benefit our students and staff. Please reach out as soon as possible to secure a spot on the board. Thank you for your consideration!
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About This Newsletter
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The Cherry Crest Charger Chatter is emailed to families and staff on Tuesday mornings. Read our submission guidelines
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Information contained in directories, Newsletters or membership lists published by Cherry Crest Elementary PTSA may not be used for purposes of solicitation either commercial, political or ideological or any other purpose not consistent with the Washington Congress of Parents and Teachers By-Laws.
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