Q&A with New PFTA President Erin McConnell
Tell us a little bit about you and your family. 
I moved to Little Rock from Magnolia, Arkansas, after I graduated from college in 1994. I’m the CFO for McConnell and Sons Incorporated, which is a trucking company that has been in my husband’s family for years. My husband Hugh is a 1992 CAC graduate, and we have 3 boys: Mak will be in the 10th grade, Timothy will be in the 6th grade and Gus will be in the 5th grade at the North Little Rock campus.
The boys are always involved in athletic events, like football, basketball and soccer, so I spend a lot of time cheering them on. One of my favorite things to do is to come see the annual CAC talent show and all of the plays the drama department puts on.
Why did you choose CAC?
We always knew we would send our kids to CAC. There’s just this sense of family that can’t be found anywhere else. Not only do our kids get a good Christian education, but the teachers love our kids. If there is anything we need they are right there willing to do whatever they can, even if it isn’t easy.
How did you feel when you were asked to be the new PFTA president?
I was extremely honored (and a little bit nervous). I took some time to think and pray about it for a while afterward, because this is a big job and I wanted to make sure I could do it well. I want this place to be great for our kids and I am excited to help make CAC even better.
What are your hopes for this year’s Spirit Wear?
The Spirit Wear has always been great, and I admire how hard Hollye and Kevin worked to make it the big deal that it is today. It has become the PFTA’s largest fundraiser, so I want to make sure it is just as good as it’s been. I’m also hoping to offer items that we haven’t been able to offer in the past.
Where does the money made by the PFTA go?
All of the money we make goes straight back into the school. Last year, we were able to contribute to the secondary campus’ Wish List campaign for the Fine Arts, and the year before that the money went to improving the atrium. I want to make sure that the money we raise goes toward projects that will benefit the students and the parents.
What else does the PFTA do besides Spirit Wear?
Spirit Wear isn’t the only part of PFTA! We serve the teachers and the staff by providing monthly luncheons, snacks during finals week, sodas and waters in the teacher’s lounge – really anything that has to do with hospitality.
How important are parent volunteers?
So important, and we are always looking for more!
We have so many great parent volunteers who serve in so many different ways. Volunteering with the PFTA is a great way for the parents to be more involved at the high school campus, since it’s very different than having students in elementary school, where you are on campus all of the time.
Make sure to keep an eye out for more details in the next month on how to get involved!