PROVO — Every child is born with genius just waiting to break through.
That's what Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. told the Utah Parent Teacher Association during a speech given at their annual convention Saturday at Brigham Young University.
He also told those attending the convention that he believes it is their job as educators and parents to make sure that genius is discovered.
"The most important thing I can do as a parent is to find that genius as soon as possible," he said. "We've got chefs and artists and musicians and lawyers and everything else all over the state, we just don't know it yet. When is that found? I think it's when teachers take an interest in their students and parents take an interest in their children."
The 2,600 parents and teachers from across the state who attended the three-day conference were given the opportunity to participate in over 80 workshops and network with other PTA leaders.
Every hour brought a new lesson with only one goal in mind: helping children reach their full potential. Topics of discussion ranged from starting a school PTA to dealing with bullies to helping children become successful test takers.
"It's been very informative," said Jennifer Thomas, a parent who has been a member of PTA for six years and attended the conference four times. "It not only helps us know how to do our positions in the PTA, it also helps me be a better mother. By being involved in the PTA, whether it's being a room mother or whatever, I know what's going on and my kids know I care about what they are doing."
Utah's PTAs spent more than 8 million hours last year volunteering in 650 different schools around the state. The organization is involved in many aspects of education, from advocating legislative bills they believe will benefit children to helping local students learn to read.
Utah PTA President Carmen Snow said she thinks the program is invaluable.
When asked why she believes in PTA, Snow said, "Because I believe in children, and that's the only agenda we have — the children."
For more information about PTA, call 801-261-3100 or visit www.utahpta.org.
E-mail: alorimer@desnews.com