The Barbara Bush Middle School PTA recently honored Lynda Optiz, BBMS principal, for her commitment and devotion to the children and youth of her school with a National PTA Life Achievement Award. The award was presented at the last PTA meeting.

"On behalf of National PTA, Bush PTA is pleased to present this prestigious award to Lynda Opitz, who continues to provide our children with a safe and enriching environment in which to learn and grow," Cindy Santoscoy, president of the BMMS PTA, said.

As the highest honor that a PTA can bestow, a National PTA Life Achievement Award is an especially significant way to honor worthy people in the community. The award has been given since 1899, just two years after the founding of PTA, to pay tribute to those who have given outstanding service, demonstrating they cared about young people.

"It is so obvious how much Lynda cares about the kids at her school," said Santoscoy. "She goes above and beyond the call of duty everyday to make these students feel great about who they are and what they can accomplish in life.