National Parents' Day 2022
2022
Parents of the Year
Category Awardees
Pastor Quanitta Favorite-Battle
Owings Mills, Maryland
Pastor Quanitta has lived through tremendous hardships with the loss of her husband, sudden homelessness and no job.
She pressed through her diversities by showing kindness to others, and serving the community, especially through serving students in the foster care system.
She home-schooled her children, who are bright, creative and lead with faith, love and confidence.
2022 Single Parent of the Year
Mr. Raeese & Mrs. Aisha Khan
Catonsville, Maryland
As new immigrants from Pakistan they grew their American dream to become small business owners. Mr. Khan is the Executive Director for the Greater Baltimore Muslim Council. Faith plays a vital role in their family. They own a daycare center, which has expanded from 8 to 80 children. Their parenting style is admired by others. Community service is a way of life for them.
The children saw how their parents took care of them and others and learned to be kind and help those in need. The children are exemplary students.
2022 Faith Community Parents of the Year
2022 Parents of the Year for Civic Leaders
Mr. Bob & Mrs. Darla Vander Plaats
Grimes, Iowa
The Vander Plaats had 4 boys whom they loved. Their son Lucas was born with physical and mental disabilities that would require 24-hour care. The family rallied around, and the boys were taught about sacrifice and the needs of the family.
Their faith grew with each trial. They wrote a book, “Light from Lucas”
Bob was inspired to do more for children with brain and spinal injuries. Created an organization which built a new facility. He ran for Governor to improve health and Education and public policy.
Now leads THE FAMiLY LEADER.
Bob’s philosophy: Give without expecting anything in return.
Mr. Heen Banda Weerasinghe Mudiyanselage & Mrs. Priyanthi Kanakaratna
Rockville, Maryland
The Weerasinghes worked hard to come to America. Mr. Weerasinghe stayed home while his wife went to work as he did not speak English. They worked hard so that their children could go to college. The children graduated with honors.
Their son developed Guillaine-Barre syndrome. The doctors gave up on a treatment, but the parents stood by his side, sacrificing themselves so he was never alone, never showing their pain over his suffering or the medical bills piling up. Through his parents’ faith and dedication, he was able to walk again.
2022 Parents of Outstanding Sacrifice
Mr. Edward & Mrs. Sharon Polk
Ashburn, Virginia
The Polks married life was shaped by determinations arising from memories of teenage homelessness, the caring for a child with an incurable disease, and the foundation of their faith in God and in each other. Coming from humble backgrounds, they achieved professional and material success as lawyers.
Their eldest son was a collegiate star and now, a professional athlete. Their second son required lifesaving surgery at three months. The challenge of caring for and raising him proved their devotion to each other, their unconditional love for their children, and their trust that their children's lives were in God's hands.
2022 National Parents of the Year
National Parents' Day
Every fourth Sunday of July in America
Congratulations! All
National Parents' Day 2022
God bless you!