National Parents' Day 2023
2023
Parents of the Year
Awardees
Pastor Manyongo & Mrs. Angela Wilson
Woodbridge, Virginia
2023 Parents of the Year
Pastor Wilson was a student leader during the civil war in Liberia, where he was sentenced to death. He was released by the Military Government.
He came to America to attend college in North Carolina. The love of his life, Angela, joined him a year later. They have been married 34 years and had 4 children and adopted another after she lost her mother to cancer.
In addition, they welcome many people in their community, who have difficulties, into their home.
The Wilsons truly believed in practicing their faith. They trained their children the way they should go; to have a heart of responsibility, to lead and take care of other people centering on God’s words and love. All their children have given a sermon.
Ms. Emily Hatcher
Ambridge, Pennsylvania
Emily has four adopted children, each coming with learning and emotional difficulties.
She has sacrificed everything for her children, including herself. She is always lending a hand, helping other single parents car-pooling, dropping off meals or lending an ear.
Her trust in the Lord is constant, knowing that He has a plan for each of them, telling the children they are loved and safe.
She works a part time job in the evenings as a Case Manager helping others overcome Mental Health issues.
2023 Single Parent of the Year
Pastors George & Linda Riddick
Durham, North Carolina
The Riddicks have 5 children of their own, 3 adopted and have fostered 3 more young Caucasian children saying there is no color in those whom they chose to care for.
They are Co-pastors of Armed & Ready Ministries and serve the community through Bible Study, Community Service which includes Ministry for Children, Foster Care, Guardian ad Litem and Prison Ministry. They have received many certificates and accolades for their service.
The Riddick’s 3 oldest children are in Ministry. The younger ones share their faith with other young people.
On his job George is called the “Black Jesus” as he is not afraid to speak the word of God.
2023 Faith Community Parents of the Year
2023 Parents of the Year for Civic Leaders
Mr. Theron & Mrs. Naomi Goynes
North Las Vegas, Nevada
Theron and Naomi Goynes are longtime leaders in North Las Vegas community and strong education advocates. They have been married for 52 years, having 3 children and 5 grandchildren. A local elementary school was named after them in their honor.
The Goynes both received college degrees and had careers in teaching. He served in the US Airforce and then spent 20 years on the North Las Vegas City Council, twelve of them as Mayor Pro Tempore, being the first elected black person in Nevada history to head a government body. He is a retired elementary school Principal, having served as teacher, counselor, adult education coordinator, and assistant Principal & Principal..
Mrs. Goynes served as a kindergarten teacher, reading specialist & junior high school Assistant Principal.
Mr. Sean and Mrs. Mayra Leitner
La Salle, Michigan
the best home life and give them a chance to change their life’s trajectory by building their lives centering on Christ.
The Leitners own several HVAC companies and an Academy for children, from school-age to high school. They own and operate an Early Learning Center for children from birth to school ready. They show their children how to depend on Jesus to care for everything.
2023 Parents of Outstanding Sacrifice
Sean and Mayra Leitner, according to their adopted daughter, Erica, are Godly people, who besides having 2 of their own children have adopted 6 others.
The Leitners taught their children to serve others before themselves, which they exemplify in their daily actions. They are involved in the community and do frequent outreach, bringing in many young people who have not had
2023 Parents of the Year for Law Enforcement
Officer Michael & Mrs. Carena Mette
Chicago, Illinois
Officer Mette is the First Vice President of the Fraternal Order of the Police (FOP). He is on call 24 hours a day supporting officers in need. He is committed to the wellness of officers and has hosted suicide prevention classes. He exemplifies the spirit of sacrifice and includes his family in serving food and supplies for others.
Representing the force, the FOP and a caring concerned family they often serve various civil, and religious group personally. They reserve time to be together as a family, while touching the lives of hundreds.
They have a commitment to assist others in need; being an embodiment of love and faith, which they share as a family.
National Parents' Day 2023
2023
Parents of the Year
NOMINEES
Mayor Tim Adams & Honorable Sheila Adams, MD
Pastors Francisco & Regina Alicea, CT
Rev. Robert Bennett, UT
Elder Calvin & Rev. E. Jean Brockington, MD
Mr. Corbin & Mrs. Hillary Buchholz, SC
Dr. Lalith & Mrs. Preejit Chandradasa, CA
Rev. Dr. Johnnie & Mrs. Sylvia Clark, CA
Pastor Alan & Mrs. Diane Lawrence, NJ
Mr. Conrad & Mrs Winnie Lee, WA
Bishop Antoine & First Lady Felecia McClurkin, MD
Mr. William & Mrs. Virginia McCoy, AR
Mrs. Barby Newell, KY
Mr. Thai Thanh Nguyen & Mrs. Tina Le, MD
Mr. Douglas & Mrs. Joyce Peters, MD
Mr. Angel & Mrs. Sonia Reyes, MD
Mrs. Esshenelle Robinson, VA
Dr. Surinder Singh Gill & Mrs. Ripjeet Gill, MD
Mr. Pete & Mrs. Erica Velasquez, AZ
Mr. Charles & Mrs. Vallie Washington, NC
National Parents' Day
Every fourth Sunday of July in America
Congratulations Everyone!
National Parents' Day 2023
God bless you!