Writing Contest

2nd Annual SMDCard Mother's Day Writing Contest
This contest was sponsored by the Single Mothers Discount Card to promote financial equity and support for single mothers and the children they raise. Get more information at www.singlemothersdiscountcard.com

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WRITING CONTEST WINNERS!
Thank you to everyone for your entries about inspiring single moms. (Here are the inspiring stories we have permission to post.)

$150 First Prize
Melony Rease
By Sincere Hayden

$100 Second Prize
Kelly Cucurello
Autobiographical

$50 Third Prize
Nicole
By Jane Jeuland

$25 Honorable Mentions
1. Cassandra Irizarry
2. Wesall
3. Beatrice Njeri

Melony Rease: First Prize Winner--$150

Ode To My Mom
By Sincere Hayden 4/25/22

The term ‘single mother’ evokes many emotions in me–remembrance, sympathy, empathy, and more importantly, fear. My mother was a single mother for most of my life. My mom is my hero, my knight, and my idol.
  She was a teen mom. Having to raise a child while being a child yourself is not something many people are strong enough to do. My mom has grown up with me and has held my hand when no one was holding hers. My mom has been there to wipe every tear, kiss every cut, and tie every shoelace with a smile on her face. My mom has always made a way for me and my siblings, regardless of the situation, which some people aren’t prepared for.
  Being a Black woman in America is something that only Black women can describe. There are stigmas and expectations for you the second you come into this world. Being a black woman and raising Black children comes with many unseen obstacles. Many kids get “the talk” when their parents think it’s the right time, but my mom had to give me and my siblings “the talk” at a young age–not about where babies come from, but about how to be safe while walking down the sidewalk. Not many parents can imagine having to warn their kids that some people won’t like them, not because they are a bad person, but because they don’t like the pigment in their skin. My mom was willing and brave enough to not hide me from our reality, when some parents can’t fathom the thought.
  My mom has shaped me into the woman I am. She has always been overwhelmingly giving. If she has it, she will make sure everyone else does too. Her heart is too big for her body and her kindness is something I envy. I'm beyond grateful for being able to call my mom “mom.”
  So when you bring up ‘single mother,’ my fear stems from my mom. What if I'm not strong enough? What if I'm not prepared? What if I'm not brave nor willing? Not kind enough? What if my heart is too small? I hope my mom will still hold my hand as I continue to grow and as I have children of my own. I hope I don't forget the example she set for me. I hope she will still wipe my tears and kiss my cuts. I hope she knows how much I love her.

Nicole: Second Prize Winner--$100
By Jane Jeuland

One mom named Colleen recently said to Nicole, “You are the mom I want to be when I grow up.” Nicole is one of the most incredible moms I know. She has three kids, twin girls in 3rd grade and a boy in 1st grade.
  Before Covid, I used to have parties at my house for folks in the neighborhood and the kids’ friends. Without fail, I would always find Nicole helping to clean up the playroom or wash the dishes at the end of the night.
  Throughout Covid, somehow Nicole kept all the balls in the air. I had a couple of Zoom play dates for the kids. At the end of the playdates, the moms would complain about everything. Nicole would always find something positive to say to help refocus our energy and help us all laugh. She always had hope and found something good in the midst of a really rough time for everyone.
  Now that Covid is settling down, I often find Nicole with another kid In tow. Even as a single, working mom she is the go-to person for so many moms and parents at Nathan Hale (our local grammar school). She is always helping other parents, even those who have a two-parent household and extended family in the area. One mom recently said, “she always has all of our kids' backs all the time, even though her plate is full.”
  In this isolated world we live in now, Nicole knows how to bring people together. In December, my son Jonah had an ice skating party. Somehow, months later, Nicole remembered that my son was interested in hockey. While I was picking up Jonah from school one afternoon, she took the time to introduce me to another Nathan Hale mom who has a kid in hockey.
  When the movie Sonic came out, Nicole organized a little first grader, movie theater play date. At the play date, a mom came with her kindergartener. Nicole had met her and invited her along so she could meet more people at Nathan Hale.
  Nicole is also just an excellent, organized, joyful, compassionate, discerning mother for her kids. Her kids are doing so well in school and in their activities, and they are such polite and kind kids.
  Another mom named Giovanni said, “Nicole is a phenomenal mother. You can see the confidence her children have because of the structure and love they receive from her. She is so deserving of recognition for her daily sacrifices and commitment to her children. Nicole’s loving and kind spirit is so genuine and inviting. She is an outstanding woman and friend.”
  I cannot recommend Nicole enough this year. She is bright, positive, encouraging; she goes above and beyond for everyone. She is a good mother and a good human.
  I agree with Colleen, Nicole is the mom I want to be when I grow up too.

First Annual SMDCard Mother's Day Writing Contest

CONTEST INFO
This contest is sponsored by the Single Mothers Discount Card to promote financial equity and support for single mothers and the children they raise. Get more information at www.singlemothersdiscountcard.com

PRIZES

ONE First prize: $150
TWO Second prizes: $100
THREE third prizes: $50

DEADLINE
Deadline for submission is Sunday, April 11, 2021 at midnight. Winners will be announced on Mother’s Day, May 9, 2021. Winners will be notified by email.

CONTEST GUIDELINES
1. Tell us about a single mother you know who needs and/or deserves the prize. You can write about yourself or a single mother you know. Write in any genre (poem, letter, essay, interview, etc.) and tell us why this mom stands out. All ages are welcome to submit.
2. One submission per applicant.
3. Fill out the form below. Be sure to include a title. You can paste your writing into the box provided or you can share your work as a Google Doc or Microsoft Word Document. (We can only accept digital submissions).
4. If you would like, we will send an e-card to your nominee on Mother’s Day letting them know you nominated them for a contest. : )

NO SUBMISSION FEE
The point of this contest and the Single Mothers Discount Card website is to build economic supports for single mothers, so it is FREE to submit to the contest. However, if you can make a donation, please do. Your entry fee will go toward future contests, awards, honoraria for judges, and to ongoing endeavors to manifest the mission of the Single Mothers Discount Card.

JUDGING CRITERIA
1. Follow all instructions properly.
2. Most deserving and/or in need mom.
3. Powerful storytelling. Story stands out from the rest.
4. Good writing mechanics (spelling, grammar, punctuation, paragraphs, capitalization).

WINNERS and DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES
1. Winning works will be published on the www.singlemothersdiscountcard.com website (with author and nominated mother permission).
2. Prizes will be distributed to the winning single moms through their choice of Venmo or PayPal.

YOUR CART