Get to Know Michelle Ptasienski ’92, Director of Volunteer Engagement and Director of Street Scenes

Advancement Spotlight Q&A with Carmel Catholic Director of Volunteer Engagement and Director of Street Scenes, Michelle Ptasienski ’92

Q: What is your role at Carmel Catholic and how long have you been working at the school?

A: I have been employed here at Carmel since the fall of 2019, but my roots date back to my parents working Street Scenes years before I was a student here from 1988-1992, of which in 1991, I met my husband, Andrew. We have sons who have graduated in ’17, ’18, ’20 and ’21 and have a current junior at Carmel. I started volunteering as a team parent when our oldest was a freshman and got involved in helping out in different capacities at Carmel until I got hired in the fall of 2019.

Q: Given the unprecedented circumstances, how did Street Scenes planning go this year?

A: Street Scenes planning went great! There is an amazing group of core Directors that are so good at thinking outside the box in order to come up with some creative ideas that made Street Scenes 2021 one for the record books. One of my favorite qualities of this group of Directors is that we have people from all walks of life who have a wealth of knowledge and are willing to talk and listen to ideas on making Street Scenes the best it can be. We are looking forward to a new look to Street Scenes 2022 –– much of the traditional Street Scenes will still be around, but some new additions are coming. Our theme for Street Scenes 2022 is “Street Scenes Celebrates Carmel’s 60th,” paying tribute to Carmel Catholic’s 60th year since its founding.

Q: What are some of the different areas volunteers can get involved with at Carmel Catholic?

A: Where to begin? We have many opportunities to get involved. There are ways to volunteer for school community events, including back-to-school night, parent ambassadors, field trip chaperones, just to name a few. We have many special events at Carmel that we always need volunteers for, such as golf outings, galas, grandparent events, Street Scenes and many more! Did I say Street Scenes? For those who do not know, this is our biggest fundraiser of the year at Carmel, which takes lots of volunteers to make it successful! Carmel is also celebrating its 60th anniversary, so we will have many opportunities for volunteerism as there will be a year full of celebrations.

Q: Is it true that Athletics Boosters is coming back? What will it look like?

A: Yes! We are really excited for the Boosters to be back! We will be kicking it off in the fall with different levels of involvement. We are excited to bring some community-building opportunities to our athletic teams with some tailgating, tent parties and some great Carmel swag! We are looking forward to building up the Boosters community as a way for people to meet others whose students are involved in similar activities and be able to make connections with other parents here at Carmel Catholic.

Q: How do you become a volunteer?

A: The first step in becoming a volunteer here at Carmel Catholic is to begin at carmelhs.org/volunteer/, where you will find volunteer opportunities listed. Check out that page and then click on Volunteer Application. Filling this out will start the process of becoming a volunteer. You can also call me at 847-388-3437 to chat about opportunities available –– I love to talk to new families or even current families to see where they might fit in best in our Carmel Community. This allows us to get to know each other and figure out what might work best for you!

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share?

A: I am excited to get to know more people here at Carmel and see where you might use your talents the best here at Carmel. I always knew Carmel was an awesome place to be a part of, but since I have been working here, it has just reiterated to me that there are some wonderful people who work here and send their children to school here. It is a great place to get involved in, and I would love to help you find the best place for you!