Leslie Cushman of Woodstock is one of 150 PTA members from around the country to attend a White House briefing Friday with top-level policy members from the White House and Department of Education.

At a special event after the briefing, the White House will honor 12 Champions of Change for their work to improve the lives of children.

Cushman, a member of the National PTA board, has been a PTA volunteer for 27 years, according to the National PTA website. She has served on numerous PTA committees and was president of the Cherokee County Council, 13th District Director, Georgia PTA President Elect and Georgia PTA President.

She is co-author of "A Century of Commitment for Children 1906-2006, a history book detailing 100 years of Georgia PTA advocacy and was asked to write the National PTA's  featured Our Children article, Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future:  40 Years of Unity, detailing the unification of National PTA and the National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers.

Deirdre Pierce, of Atlanta, is among the 12 Champions of Change to be recognized nationally on Friday who are described in a White House release as "ordinary Americans across the country that are doing extraordinary work in their communities."

The Champions of Change program, created by the White House more than a year ago has already held more than 40 Champions of Change events, honoring more than 500 Champions from all 50 states.

“As parents, both President Obama and I have so much respect for the work parents do as PTA leaders. In Washington, we aim to be a supportive partner with states, school districts and schools but we know that the real success for students happens because of the support that PTA members and teachers provide,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in a video to PTA convention attendees in June.

The National PTA and the White House scheduled this week's event to highlight the hard work and dedication of our nation’s parents, families and child advocates through involvement in PTA, said National PTA President Betsy Landers.

“National PTA is honored that the White House and U.S. Department of Education is looking to recognize our members for their work. Grassroots PTA members are the lifeblood of our association and they champion for children every day. There are millions of unsung heroes nationwide making a difference in the lives of all children, not just their own. Through the work that they do they are helping to ensure that our country’s best days lie ahead,” Landers said.

Check out the White House Champions of Change website for the latest updates: http://www.whitehouse.gov/champions.