One mother’s shining moment

After several challenges I have had in the last two years recovering from two surgeries, having my husband travel during the weekdays for work, home only on the weekends and raising my two teenagers, I recently had a shining moment in the day of being a mom. When I opened up my e-mail on a recent morning I was surprised by an application my son had made. He is a senior at Redmond High School (RHS) and full-time Running Start student.

January 6, 2011 2:36 pm

After several challenges I have had in the last two years recovering from two surgeries, having my husband travel during the weekdays for work, home only on the weekends and raising my two teenagers, I recently had a shining moment in the day of being a mom.

When I opened up my e-mail on a recent morning I was surprised by an application my son had made. He is a senior at Redmond High School (RHS) and full-time Running Start student.

Alexander Pereira of RHS has been recognized as a 2010-2011 Discus Award winner for his achievements in the areas of Community Service, Arts, and Athletics. The Discus Awards is a national program that provides recognition and scholarship opportunities to all-around high school students who excel in three of 10 key attributes.

Alexander is now eligible for 2010-2011 Discus Awards scholarships. Also, Alexander created a multimedia profile highlighting his achievements, which may be viewed in the Discus Awards Winners Gallery at www.discusawards.com/winners.

Last week, the Lake Washington School District (LWSD) board of Directors also recognized my son for an Honorable Mention in the 2010-11 National Hispanic Recognition Program. His family in Latin America is happy for this cultural recognition and wish him the best of success.

So why are these moment extra special? Most of you that have a senior in high school know that this age group is very challenging, strong-minded and learning to do their own thing, sometimes leaving you, the parent, in a power struggle to stay informed and linked.

At this time of the year, college applications are time consuming to students and their parents, the pressure to meet delines, financial obligations and applications for scholarships is nerve racking. Also the added pressure to the following question, “Has your son or daughter done what they have been told to do by their counselors (an extra challenge with a Running Start student); have they satisfied the graduation requirements for high school; did they study enough for their SAT/ACT tests?”

I just wanted to let other parents of seniors out there know that when things get stressful, they can surprise and amaze you when you least expect it. Stay connected and continue to support them and they will prevail. A smile from a mom, Flavia.

Flavia Pereira, Redmond