February is Parent Recognition Month. Strengthening Families Washington, of the Department of Early Learning for Washington State, believes there is no better way to recognize a parent, grandparent, foster or adoptive parent than by acknowledging the numerous and impressive things they do to strengthen their family and those around them in their community.
Seattle's Child is proud to sponsor the Washington Unsung Hero Awards, recognizing our everyday heroes and honoring the important role caregivers play in children's lives. There are 28 nominees for the 28 days of February, and Seattle's Child will highlight each and every one.
Congratulations to the Unsung Hero for February 18: Bernyce Martin – Tacoma, WA:
My mother, Bernyce Martin, has dedicated her life to helping children her entire life. She was an elementary librarian at Lister Elementary for 35 years and raised four children of her own. On Feb. 26, 2010 she lost a son, Kirk Martin, to congestive heart failure. Currently, she has been the caregiver for my father for the last five years, even though she suffered from congestive heart failure and she was hospitalized twice during this time. My father is immobile and confined to a wheel chair. My mother has always given freely of her time and love to all. It is without hesitation that I nominate my mother for the Parent Recognition Award. I am the principal at Mason Middle School, and I would not be in this position if it were not for the guidance and support of my mother.
Nominator: Patrice Sulkosky