Concord, Penacook Parents Called 'Unsung Heroes'

Applause filled the room as Gov. Maggie Hassan read a proclamation, announcing February as Parent Recognition Month.

On Tuesday, Feb. 3, New Hampshire Children’s Trust/Prevent Child Abuse New Hampshire presented 28 awards to parents and caregivers, to honor and recognize these extraordinary people who go above and beyond to be the best parents that they can be. Honorees and their families gathered in the Governor and Council Chambers at the New Hampshire State House in Concord for the 8th Annual Unsung Hero Parent Recognition Awards ceremony.

“To help strengthen our families and our communities, and I can think of no better way to do that than to honor the people who, day in and day out, are working with children and their families to make every humans life better, to support every child with a kind of foundational grounding that they need,” said Hassan

Each award recipient and their family proudly stood while being photographed as they accepted their award from the governor. After the ceremony, families gathered for a reception to further celebrate with refreshments and coloring activities.

Paska Yen, of Concord, was nominated by Laurie Hart and Linda Stephenson. Paska came to the United States with her family in 2011 as a refugee from war-torn Sudan. Surviving personal trauma and loss, Paska has guided her children from unimaginable horror to a new future in Concord. Paska has supported her daughters education, advocated for them and supported their opportunities in the community, all while working tirelessly for the state. Paska is working toward becoming a citizen and is proud of her daughters who are now American citizens!

Carol Crosby Lizotte, of Dunbarton, was nominated by Karen Cusano. Carol began her journey as a single mother with twin girls. To give her daughters the best life possible, shortly after their birth, she enrolled in online college classes, read parenting books and took part in parenting groups. She is now married with a third child and a bachelor’s degree. Karen says, Carol is a role model on by taking tragedy, loss and hardship and turning it into character, self-determination, and strength.

Chuck and April Eastman, of Penacook, were nominated by Sally Fisher. Chuck and April have two children. Their 18 year old son suffered a traumatic brain injury several years ago. As a family they have grown together, despite the struggles they have faced while navigating this uncharted territory. Now advocates for the National Alliance on Mental Illness NH, they have successfully supported each other and both of their children through a roller coaster of experiences, becoming stronger themselves while inspiring and assisting others

Amy Rothery, of Nottingham, was nominated by Joanne Piazzi who says Amy is resilient in rough circumstances. Using a network of friends and colleagues, Amy has provided basic necessities for her three children. In order to give back, she and the children volunteer at the local food bank. Amy advocates for her children at school and supports them in their involvement in ROTC, cosmetology, sports and the arts - all while maintaining a full-time job.

“This is my favorite event of the year. To see the parents being honored for being strong for their kids is such a joy,” says Julie Day, Strengthening Families Director at NH Children’s Trust.

Award recipients were nominated by family, friends or co-workers who believe the parents’ strength and empathy make them role-models. Nominators also believe the Unsung Heroes demonstrate effective use of the 5 Protective Factors:

• Parental Resilience: Overcoming everyday stress and bouncing back.
• Social Connections: Having people who know and support them.
• Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development: Where to find out about parenting skills and developmental growth.
• Concrete Support in Times of Need: Knowing where to turn for help.
• Social and Emotional Competence: Knowing how to help their children talk about their feelings.

The New Hampshire Children’s Trust is committed to eliminating child abuse and neglect by helping families to build Protective Factors to buffer them in times of stress.

Executive Director Keryn Bernard-Kriegl says, “It is an honor to recognize parents for being heroes to their children and role models for their community.”

For more information about the ceremony, a list and bio of honorees, or to see pictures from the event, visit NHChildrensTrust.org/unsunghero15.

Submitted text and courtesy photos.