2023 Friend of Public Education, Krissy Dietrich Gallagher

The Reaching Heights Friend of Public Education Award honors citizens who embrace our shared responsibility for the success of our public schools. It is presented to people who volunteer their time and energy and go above and beyond to improve the lives of our students, families and community. This year's Friend of Public Education is Krissy Dietrich Gallagher.

To say Krissy is an active and productive volunteer for Heights public schools is an understatement. She stepped up to accept leadership of the PTA at Fairfax Elementary School, Kindernet for the district, the Cross Country & Track Boosters, and for six operating levies and the middle school and high school renovations bond issue. More recently, she has coordinated the Homecoming Parade since 2017 and started the first district-wide sports boosters organization, Heights Athletic Boosters.

Joe D’Amato, Heights Athletic Director, presented this award to Krissy with heartfelt gratitude.  He has wanted a unified booster organization for years and expressed how much he truly appreciates that Krissy and her team of volunteers have finally made it a reality.

In her acceptance speech, Krissy encouraged everyone to take their ideas for assisting the school district and make them happen the way she did by moving forward one step at a time.  She suggested community members start by sharing their ideas with the principal at a school building, Reaching Heights, or the Heights Schools Foundation.

Congratulations to Krissy Dietrich Gallagher from the entire community for the many ways you have supported and enriched the students, their families, and the staff of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights public schools.