Parent Spotlight: Andrew Montez, Strawberry Lemonade Hero

Written by Deepika Gajaria

 

Q: What sparked the idea to turn a refreshing treat into a fundraising engine for our PTA?

A: To be honest, I wasn't excited with the ice cream offerings during our ice cream socials. I was trying to focus on something that would be fun, seasonal and the same price point. During the winter, I pivoted to hot chocolate which was perfect at the time, but the weather warmed quickly into the winter season. To aid in the heat relief, I thought an ice cold lemonade would do the trick especially when it's elevated with a homemade strawberry syrup.

Thank you to all the families who have donated lemons, without our great community,  none of this would be possible.

Q: If you had to guess, how many lemons have you sliced and squeezed since you started this, what would that number be? 

A: I think I've squeezed over 800 lemons!


Q: Who is your official 'Chief Taste Tester' at home, and have they ever given a batch a 'thumbs down' during the R&D phase?

A: I wish I could say my kids were the taste testers for the strawberry lemonade, but I purposely make them wait for each lemonade social.

Q: What is your favorite memory or most hilarious interaction you’ve had with a student while serving lemonade at the school?

A: There are two moments that stick out for me during the lemonade socials. A parent and a student came up to me and said they absolutely love the lemonade and the student doesn't even like lemonade! The other moment was another student saying my lemonade is so much better than the freckled lemonade from Red Robin!


Q: For other parents who want to help but don’t know where to start, what’s one piece of advice you’d give about jumping into school volunteerism?

A:To get involved, read the PTA newsletters or make sure you are a part of the Forest Hill community WhatsApp group and join the PTA if you haven't already! Help is always needed, just sign up and insert yourself!

Secret recipe for the FH community only!

I have always made large batches of lemonade each time. Here is a scaled down version, but not 100% tested by myself at these ratios. Like with any recipe and cooking, use this as a guideline and make it to your liking!

  

Strawberry Syrup

  • 2lbs strawberry 

  • 2 cups water

  • 2 cups sugar 

  • 1 lemon

  • Pinch of salt

In a large pot place strawberries, water, sugar, the juice of 1 lemon, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer on medium-high heat. Once at a simmer, turn off and let sit for 30 minutes. Strain strawberry syrup. Puree whole cooked strawberries. Cool both separately. Reserve for later use.

  

Lemonade 

  • 10 cups lemon juice

  • 4 cups sugar

  • 20 cups water

  • Pinch of salt

Juice lemons. Mix with water, sugar, and a pinch of salt  until sugar is dissolved. Refrigerate. 


Mix with strawberry syrup and puree.