Dwight Hunter Blogs: 2019 Tennessee PTA Convention

The annual convention in 2019 was held in Memphis. I drove from Chattanooga to Memphis using what I call the southern route that runs along the northern top of Bama and Mississippi into southwestern Shelby County--Memphis.

The convention was a little different this year. It was held in a venue about two miles from the hotel. The venue closed at 7:30 pm. So there weren't any traditional separate goodbyes. Most of the board stayed until Sunday morning to leave, which is what I did.

My friend Larry and I decided to get BBQ for dinner Friday night and lo and behold everyone seemed to follow us! It was a great time. The next night after convention was over, we all went to Kooky Canuck. I had a great time with maple syrup steak and maple syrup drinks!

However, this convention was way different. I was nominated for an office position, which was not new to me, but this position was different. President elect. That means in two years, I would become president. But there was one more twist. For the first time, the election of the Tennessee PTA president elect would be contested.

Never in my entire life on the Tennessee PTA board did I ever think I would be challenged at an officer election before the 2017-2019 term. Something happened in the last 18 months resulting in a challenge. I knew it was coming. The election prep and going through it just added to the stress in making plans for the big event trip to Pensacola on the 1st of May.

But I made the best of it. Gave a solid campaign speech. Presented my workshop and gave information about a grant we had received. And was elected! Nevertheless, the end of convention for me was anticlimactic; I expected something big, but I was humbled by the election. Maybe that's what I needed after all--a shot of humility.