2016 Young Mother Of The Year Michelle Wall of Middletown poses in the rear garden of Woodburn, the Governor’s mansion, with husband Jason and daughters Ann Stewart, 10, and Ruby, 7, before the installation ceremony Thursday afternoon. (Delaware State News/Dave Chambers)
DOVER –– Being a mom is a full-time job and once a year, the Delaware Association of American Mothers takes the opportunity to recognize some of the best in the state. Three outstanding mothers were honored Thursday at Woodburn, the Governor’s House.
“My mom has been such a rock my entire life,” Brenda Wootten said of her mother Loretta Wootten –– mom of two and winner of the 2016 Mother of the Year award. “She gives from her heart to not only her kids but everyone. She’s been the most angelic mom anyone could ask for.”
Dr. Janet Trout was recognized as the 2016 Mother of Achievement and was nominated by a previous Delaware Mother of the Year, Rosalie Betts Walls.
“One thing about being a mom is that you’re always a mom, it’s a part of who you are,” Dr. Trout said. “But you can be a mother while keeping your life balanced with other things as well.”
Dr. Trout is a strong believer in life-long education and even with two children and four grandchildren, she was able to earn her doctorate just a few years ago.
“You can always improve yourself as a mother and personally too,” she said. “But the most forceful thought in my mind right now is how many people have played a role in allowing me to do that. So I’m really recognizing not just I, but no one is able to do it all on their own.”
Dr. Trout’s son Anthony and daughter Jeanette said part of her success as an individual and a mother has come from her upbeat personality.
“She has a love for learning that most people her age don’t and she has a passion for excellence in all aspects of life,” Jeanette said. “She has immeasurable energy and is the best multitasker you’ve ever seen.”
The 2016 Young Mother of the Year Award was presented to Michelle Wall of Middletown who has two little girls. She was nominated by her friend Kim Stevenson.
2012 Delaware Mother of the Year and president of the Delaware Association of American Mothers Roselie Betts Walls, at left front in blue, introduces, from right, 2016 Mother of Achievement Dr. Janet Trout of Dover, 2016 Young Mother of the Year Michelle Wall of Middletown and 2016 Delaware Mother of the Year Loretta Wootten of Milford in front of a who’s who of Delaware and Kent County legislators during their induction ceremony at Woodburn, the Governor’s Mansion, Thursday afternoon during a luncheon in their honor. (Delaware State News/Dave Chambers)
“I found out in November I had been nominated and I followed through with the whole process of creating a portfolio to be judged,” she said.
Each nominated mother is required to develop a portfolio including information about their family, their community involvement and volunteer work in addition to acquiring several letters of recommendation.
“It was a lot of work to get the whole package together,” Ms. Wootten said. “And I found out only a little more than two weeks ago that I had been chosen for an award.”
But the work of the portfolio and finding references was worth it for all three moms.
“Being a mom is my favorite thing in the world so it’s such an honor to be recognized for doing what I love most,” Ms. Wall said.
Ms. Wootten recalled some of the best parts of mothering her two girls when they were young.
“I’ve always loved being a mom and being very involved in my girls’ activities; we always did and still do have fun together,” she said. “My favorite things I did with them were Girl Scouts and Sunday school. I was able to relive my youth with them,” she said.
While issuing the awards, Gov. Jack Markell said a “thank you” to mothers everywhere.
“This is a wonderful time each year for all of us to reflect on the incredible role which is hard to understate, that mothers have played in all of our lives,” he said. “Sometimes being a mom is just being there when times are tough and standing by through thick and thin. I thank you for what you do in your own family, the example you set for others, thanks for all you have done.”
And setting a good example is one of the main reasons Ms. Trout, Ms. Wall and Ms. Wootten were chosen for the 2016 awards. Each had words of advice for mothers of all ages.
“The most important thing to me about being a mother is to always be positive and supportive with your kids,” Ms. Wootten said. “You need to be the one there to help encourage them and give them confidence so they can go on to be great people and great citizens too.”