All Around Pennsauken

By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

A beautiful mom who makes her son feel calm and safe and a caring dad who is his son’s “superhero” were selected as this year’s Best Mom and Dad in Pennsauken.

Sponsored by the Pennsauken Youth Action Committee, the Best Mom and Dad essay contest enables children in grades three, four, and five in any Pennsauken public, parochial, or private school to submit a letter stating why they believe that their mom, dad or guardian are the best. Letters were judged by a panel based on originality, content, and ability to express feelings or ideas.

The winning Best Mom essay was written by Christopher “CJ” Diaz from Fine School about his mom, Melanie. “My mom loves with all of her heart and always puts other’s needs before her own. She always knows how to cheer me up when I’m feeling sad. I always feel safe in her arms.”

“My mom is beautiful,” adds CJ. “Her eyes sparkle like crystal blue lakes making me feel calm inside. When I see her smile, it reminds me of all the great times we have together. When she laughs, I feel like there are a thousand shooting stars for me to wish on. Her love makes me feel like I can do anything when she is by my side.”

Jordyn Seldon from Burling School wrote the winning Best Dad essay and described his father, Handy, as “my superhero.”

“Through my dad’s life lessons, he challenges me to become a better person. He shows me what a real man, what a daddy is supposed to be. He is a true gentleman. I know that no matter what he will always be by my side.

“He would do anything for me. I can always count on him for a lot of things. When something is wrong with me, good or bad, he can always tell. He always makes sure to keep a smile on my face.”

Several students received honorable mention as part of the very difficult selection process. Analise Cuevas wrote about her mom, Caridad, who is a “big role model” in the way that she deals with MS; Cayla Gordan’s mom, Latashia, helps to foster children who are “in a situation,” and takes care of them “like they’re in our family;” Danielle Dimattia’s dad, Nino, acts “like a mom a lot of times” in order to help her; and Nevaeh Lassiter wrote that his father, Carlton, can sometimes be “tough, but only to keep me safe.”

The Pennsauken Youth Action Committee thanks all those students who participated in this year’s contest, the teachers who encouraged them to write about their parents and guardians, as well as those caring and dedicated men and women throughout Pennsauken who inspire their children.