Holladay City officials honored a century of accomplishment by recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Utah Parent Teacher Association during a November City Council meeting. The mayor and councilmembers took time to express their gratitude to an organization that has supported student success since 1925.

“I think the schools in our community are an important part of the fabric that makes Holladay great,” said Councilmember Matt Durham. “We have great parents and great teachers, and we really appreciate the time and effort that the PTA puts into helping efforts that are happening in our schools.”

Utah PTA President Julie Cluff and President-Elect Cammy Whitchurch attended the meeting to share an overview of the organization’s century-long legacy. Cluff noted that during the last school year, residents, educators and leaders donated more than 24,300 volunteer hours to Holladay schools, with an estimated value of $845,000.

“PTA is a network, it’s not a hierarchy,” Cluff said. “For a century, Utah PTA has been a steadfast advocate for children, families and education, shaping policies and initiatives that strengthen communities. As we celebrate 100 years of dedication, we honor the countless volunteers, leaders and advocates who have championed for student success, safety and well-being. This milestone reflects a legacy of impact, collaboration and unwavering commitment to a bright future for Utah’s youth.”

Councilmember Emily Gray read a proclamation celebrating the organization’s centennial and its commitment to ongoing student support. The statement acknowledged the Utah PTA’s history of establishing programs and services that help improve children’s lives, advance parent and family engagement in school activities, promote arts in education and champion school safety. 

As the largest volunteer child-advocacy organization in the state, Utah PTA continues to share its mission and invites parents, caregivers, grandparents, educators and caring adults to create environments that nourish a child’s education.

“This centennial year provides an opportunity to reflect on Utah PTA’s many accomplishments and celebrate 100 years as a powerful voice for children, a trusted resource for parents, and a strong advocate for public education,” Gray read. “Utah PTA has left a lasting impact on schools, families, and communities across the state by fostering leadership, empowering voices, and ensuring that generations of children have benefited from stronger educational opportunities, healthier environments, and a greater sense of belonging.”

Holladay Mayor Rob Dahle said he believes it’s fundamental for the City Council to support the public school infrastructure as a community strength and resource. He appreciates the relationship he and his family have had with Holladay schools throughout the years and the work they do to educate the next generation. 

“All of our councilmembers serve as liaisons to the various elementaries, junior highs and high schools that are in Holladay or support Holladay,” Dahle said. “We have had a great relationship with Granite School District and superintendents, and certainly what I feel are incredible [GSD] representatives, Clarke Nelson and Julie Jackson.”

Over the last 100 years, Utah PTA has introduced programs into public schools that are still popular today, including Reflections, Ribbon Weeks, Teacher Appreciation Week, School of Excellence, arts grants, Battle of the Bands and Leadership Academy.

Utah PTA also actively promoted the creation of a suicide prevention center in 1964, reinforcing its commitment to addressing youth mental health. In 1935, the group advocated for warm lunches at school. It was estimated that, at the time, 1,200 students left home every day without a meal, so the PTA provided one for them. 

“We have a great advocacy history and have been actively involved in advocating for our children and our families,” Cluff said. “In 2007, we led the charge to fight the voucher program. This one hits home to me. I’m a resident of Midvale, a city with a high Title 1 population, and every dollar counts in my community. We are a strong proponent of keeping public education in our public schools so they can do the most good for the most students.”