James Martinez, Sr. Manager of Media & Public Relations
Wes Moore to Keynote at National PTA Convention in San Jose
Youth Advocate, Combat Vet, Business Leader, Author to Address Thousands of Parents, Education Advocates
ALEXANDRIA, VA. (May 30, 2012)—National PTA® announced today that Wes Moore will keynote its 116th Annual Convention and Exhibition to be held June 22-24 at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center in San Jose. Moore is an author, businessman and US Army veteran. His first book, "The Other Wes Moore," became an instant New York Times bestseller.
Moore was a paratrooper and Captain in the United States Army, serving a combat tour of duty in Afghanistan with the 1st Brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division in 2005–2006. As a White House Fellow during 2006–2007, Moore served as a Special Assistant to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Moore later joined Citigroup in New York, focusing on global technology and alternative investments. Currently, he is the host of "Beyond Belief" on the Oprah Winfrey Network.
Wes Moore is honored and thrilled about speaking to PTA members, volunteers, parents and other youth advocates at the National PTA convention next month. “Parent involvement is a key ingredient to student success. It sounds so simple, yet a high school student drops out every nine seconds. We have to change that. Public servants—the teachers, mentors and volunteers who work with our youth—are as imperative to our national standing and survival as are our armed forces. Public service does not have to be an occupation, but it must be a way of life,” said Moore.
Moore’s remarks will help kick-off the convention on Friday, June 22. Other featured speakers include: Clark Flatt, The Jason Foundation; Rebecca Mieliwocki, 2012 Teacher of the Year; and Major General Jefforey Smith.
Thousands of parents, teachers, students, and education advocates will gather at National PTA’s convention to enhance their skills, debate the day’s hottest issues and more. The event will include more than dozens of workshops and hundreds exhibits. Complete convention information can be found at: PTA.org/convention.
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.