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 Heroes for February 28
Teneille and Ralph Carpenter – Olympia
Teneille and Ralph are amazing foster parents! Well, as of now they aren't foster anymore! On New Year's Eve last year they completed the adoption of their youngest daughter, Quinn. They have 8 children now, and only 2 of them are biologically theirs. They have 6 girls and 2 boys ages 16-2! They have adopted 4 girls who have the same biological mom and the 2 boys have the same mom. It's been amazing that they have been able to keep these kiddos together and give them a forever home!
Teneille is a stay-at-home mom but is sometimes known to sub up at the school, or finding time to volunteer with the PTA. She can often be seen running a bake sale, or the school carnival booth. She also recently was elected to our local school board. In our community it seems to be a position no one wanted, and Teneille stepped up to do it already with so much on her plate. Ralph works for the Department of Corrections. All of the children are involved in sports and extracurricular activities.
They can often be seen running in 2 or 3 different directions during sports seasons and high fiving each other on the way by. They are doing a great job and have created a pretty amazing little (BIG) Family and our community is really lucky to have them!
Nominator: April Messenger
