Shannon Burke, mother of Caroline Burke-Dullinger, Grade 7, has been an involved Graland parent since her daughter started kindergarten nearly eight years ago. “It doesn’t occur to me not to be involved in a place in which I’m so invested,” she says.

 

Shannon’s journey as a Graland volunteer began as a library helper and a room parent. Her commitment has continued to grow since then. “I’ve had almost every GPA position there is,” she says. “I’ve worked on most of the fundraisers, overseen operations and served as treasurer, vice president of communications and president-elect. I’ve been a carline volunteer with the same group of parents every Thursday for the past four or five years, which is probably my favorite volunteer job. I love welcoming the kids to school in the morning.”

 

Graland has been a great fit for Caroline, which fuels Shannon’s passion for the school. “My daughter has received a great education, and we’re both really integrated into this community,” Shannon says. “I appreciate Graland’s philosophy to educate the whole child. It’s not just about MESH (math, English, science and history), but it’s also about art, music, drama, world languages, sports, trips and service learning. Caroline has been involved with Penny Harvest every year and loves it.”

 

Next year as GPA president, Shannon says she looks forward to working with “the amazing group of women” slated to serve with her on the executive team. “I get to work with nice people who also want to make Graland the best place it can be,” she says.

 

“I want parents to feel that being a part of their child’s day-to-day life at Graland is accessible,” Shannon continues. “Whether you can give an hour once in a while or several hours every month, there’s a place for you here. My job next year is to continue to build a strong parent community, and I’m passionate about it.”

 

When she’s not volunteering at Graland, Shannon is a realtor working side-by-side with her dad at Burke & Associates. Before transitioning into real estate, she was an entrepreneur in the healthcare industry, where she started her own company, sold it and helped the acquiring company take it public.

 

Parents, go online to learn more about the Graland Parent Association and how you can get involved.