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Best Mom in southwest 2012

In 1992, the Southwest Orlando Bulletin — then just a little more than 6 years old — introduced what has become a Southwest Orlando institution — the annual Best Mom in Southwest contest. Now in its 21st year, the contest has grown from just 300 entries in that first year to almost 1,000 submissions in 2012. What started as a contest for school-age children is now a way for child and adult residents alike to express to their moms how important they truly are. It seems that mothers are perpetually protecting their children from the ills of the world, tirelessly cooking and cleaning, and preparing their children for adult life, all while managing to somehow be the kindest and gentlest women, despite occasionally having to dole out discipline. Congratulations to this year’s winners: Ian Manubens, overall winner; Morgan McCain, 13-and-older winner; Isabella Hernandez, 9-12 winner; and Sabrina Violtat, 8-younger winner, and all of our honorable mentions. They join a long list of past participants who believe that their mothers truly are the best.

Overall winner
Ian Manubens, 14
Keene’s Pointe
Best Mom: Nancy Manubens

Loving, caring, trustworthy — all perfect adjectives to describe my mother. My mother has been a servant from day one. In high school, she volunteered for the Baltimore Fire Department. She actively serves our church’s ministry as a greeter and makes everyone feel welcome. My mom has taught me to seek Christ and be like him and live for him. Whether it’s earning more badges in Boy Scouts or getting good grades in school, my mom encourages me to work hard at everything I do.

Handling seven kids isn’t easy, but she does it like a pro. My mother is so special. She could be sitting on the couch watching Dr. Phil all day, but instead, she devotes her time to satisfy my family’s needs over her own wants. She is really a busy bee.

In addition to everything she’s done in the U.S., my mother cares about others in foreign countries, as well. Our family adopted three beautiful children from China, and my mother loves them very much. She also helps other families adopt orphan children from foreign countries, whether it’s financially or through prayer. Using her money for the good of others, my mother also supports children in foreign countries.
Being a momma’s boy, my mother’s love is very near and dear to me. Her love is like the ocean, and it never runs out. My mother is always there for me and others. I have learned a lot from her, and I’m so thankful for such a selfless, loving mother.

13-and-older winner
Morgan McCain, 13
Cypress Point
Best Mom: Jennifer McCain

McCain

Morgan McCain of Cypress Point, winner in the 13-and-older age group, is pictured with best mom Jennifer McCain.

 Dear Mom,
Words cannot describe how great you are. You are hardworking, compassionate, and you overcome all challenges and obstacles. You home-school David, Matthew, Max and me. Helping four people is not easy, especially when each person claims they need you the most. Instead of getting your nails done or hanging out with your friends, you help us learn. You clean our house and cook, and you drive me to sport practices and my friends’ houses. You make being compassionate and encouraging look easy. David has been sick for a while, and you are always there comforting him. You encourage him to stay gluten-free, but never pressure him. You are as compassionate as Mother Teresa. You have encouraged me and been there for me, and I can’t thank you enough. You showed your encouragement when you walked with me in the Cure For Diabetes Walk and surprised me with the “Team Morgan” shirts you made.

You never give up, and you overcome every challenge.

We’ve been trying to figure out what’s going on with David, and you aren’t giving up until you have the answer. You have lupus, Graves’ disease, anemia and more, but that doesn’t stop you. Even though your joints ache, you exercise and never say a word. You are gluten-free, but don’t complain. You are such an inspiration and role model. I hope that I will be a hard worker and compassionate person who overcomes the challenges thrown my way, just like you.

Thank you for everything. I love you so much. Happy Mother’s Day!
Love,
Morgan

9-12 winner
Isabella Hernandez, 12
Winter Garden
Best Mom: Awilda Hernandez

Isabella Hernandez

Isabella Hernandez of Winter Garden, winner in the 9-12 age group, is pictured with best mom Awilda Hernandez.

 What does “mother” mean to you? To me, “mother” means so many special things. M is for mom. O is for others. T is for team. H is for help. E is for everlasting love. R is for relationship. All of these characteristics describe my loving mother. My mother is special. She is always at my side, supporting me in everything I do. She is there when I need homework help and at the sideline cheering when I play sports. She is there when I get hurt, when I cry, and when I am down and need a cheer.
My mom inspires me to help others. She is a nurse, and every day she goes to work and takes care of people who are in need. My goal in life is to be a doctor, so I can help others, just like she does. As we pray together in the morning, we pray for those who are sick and lonely. She always says, “Through prayers we can also help others.” My mom helps me stay close to God.

Not being selfish is one of my mom’s other characteristics. I have a special bond with my mother. We work together like a team, and with us there is never an “I,” it is always “we.”

My mom and I are BFFL. As I get older, I hope our relationship continues to grow. I do not know what I would do without her by my side. My life is sweeter because she’s my mom.

8-and-younger
winner
Sabrina Violtat, 8
Dr. Phillips
Best Mom: Luciana Violtat

sabrina

Sabrina Violtat of Dr. Phillips, winner in the 8-and-younger age group, is pictured with best mom Luciana Violtat.

My mom, Luciana, came from Salvador, Brazil, to the U.S. to help her sister and learn English. She was married in Las Vegas, where I was born. After three years, we moved to Orlando for a better life.
As soon as we arrived, my mom had already done her research about the best schools, sports, places to visit and more. She dedicated her time to guide me and give me the best education I could get. I remember we used to go to the library for story time, kids programs and to get tons of books on all kinds of topics. My mom always tells me that knowledge is essential.

When I was 6, my mom started taking English as a second language so she could help me with my homework and prepare for college. Since she started college, I have learned so much about philosophy, humanities and more, because she shares what she learns, and I now know what it takes to be an excellent student.

I am so proud of my mom. She encourages me and tells me to do my best. She taught me to enjoy reading and art, respect others, give, love animals, dance, be organized and creative, pray, make friends, have fun and be myself. Thank you, Mom, for teaching me to be loved and love back.

Honorable Mentions

My mother, Lori Ann Bontell, is a kind, compassionate and generous mother. She leads by example and teaches those around her extremely valuable lessons. Some of the qualities that I admire about my mother are her love and support, unwavering work ethic and enduring role as a teacher.

My mother encourages me and many others to use our God-given talents and abilities to our full potential. Whether she is cheering me on in the stands during sports or helping me through a difficult situation, she is always there for me. My mother’s efforts motivate me in all that I do.

Another attribute I love about my mother is the drive and passion she places into everything she does. She works hard managing our home, activities and school schedules. Striving to make me a better Christian, she takes me to Mass almost every day. My mother’s hard work inspires me to persevere in all that I do.

My mother is a great teacher. By explaining lessons really well, she makes them easy to complete. If I need help, she is incredibly patient with me. Turning something that is extremely boring into something quite interesting is her specialty.

My mother is a remarkable woman who continues to push me and others to be better people. Through her shining example, she encourages others to work hard and never give up. I am very blessed to have a mother who is so loving, supportive and hardworking toward me, my family and others.

Matthew Bontell, 13
Westminster Landing

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