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 21: John Calvin Jones – Tacoma, WA:
I am nominating Calvin for being an advocate for children. He was a parent in my Head Start class for three years. During that time, he, and his wife Heather, have volunteered countless hours in our classroom. He was a wonderful male role model to the children, as well as a helping hand to teachers. During his second year in Head Start, he voluntarily filled in on our Parent Policy Council, at the last minute, towards the end of the year. He again volunteered his services, as did his wife, to serve on the council the following year. In addition, he and his wife served both roles as Chairperson and Secretary at the Parent Meetings held at our school site. This year, he serves as a past parent on our Policy Council and was elected as PC Chairperson. He continues to be an active participant in the elementary school his two daughters and son attend and even finds time to stop by and help us in our new location! Calvin has attended state meetings and rallies in Olympia to not only advocate for Head Start, but educating early learners everywhere. He is a successful model of a Head Start child, grown up. He is a kind and gentle man, as well as, a wonderful father to his children.
Nominator: Michelle Anijo