Celebrate more moms
Parents or teachers who would like their fifth-grader’s class to participate in future contests are asked to contact info@americanmothers.org or visit americanmothers.org/now-open-5th-grade-essay-contest for complete rules and information.
Cole Henry wants you to know his mom is the best. So much so, in fact, that the Apison Elementary School fifth-grader just won a national contest for an essay he wrote on the subject.
"I like to believe that my mother is the literal heart of my family," he wrote. " She is truly the most vivacious, fun-loving, caring, selfless mother in history."
Last week, Cole's mother Christa Henry and the rest of the family gathered at the school for a surprise presentation. Representatives from American Mothers Inc. surprised Cole with the news of his nationwide win.
The oldest of four boys, Cole said he understands already how much work it takes for his mother to keep everyone in check. From the big moments - like when the family's home caught fire from a lightning strike several months ago - to the simple acts of tucking each boy in bed every evening and sending them off to sleep with an "I love you," his mother is an influential force in his life.
"I know it doesn't sound like much, but honestly it may be the greatest and most important words I hear all day," he said of her spoken-word lullaby of sorts.
Along with Cole's essay contest win comes a $300 cash prize, a family trip to Washington, D.C., and a meal with his congressman at a national luncheon where he will read his essay aloud.
"I've never been to D.C. before. I'm really surprised and honored, but really, I just hope my mom feels honored," he said after finding out the news.
Henry, with tears in her eyes, said she is. After all, how many 11-year-old boys are eager to admit being tucked into bed at night, complete with a kiss and a prayer?
"It's humbling," she said with a smile as her boys surrounded her. "It just makes me feel like I'm doing something right with them."
Email Gabrielle Chevalier at gchevalier@timesfreepress.com.