Exeter, Greenland, Seabrook 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 human’s 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.

Sue and Basil Hills, of Exeter, were nominated by Toni Viola. Sue and Basil are foster parents of a teen whose parents are incarcerated. They strive to ensure that a strong connection is maintained between the biological parents and their foster child. They have provided a strong, disciplined home and made sure lines of communication with both parents were open and honest. Throughout this journey they have been a role model not only for their foster son, but for the biological parents as well.

Paul Dovich, of Greenland, was nominated by Leah Wells. Paul has served his country for many years as a member of the Armed Forces, including tours in Afghanistan. He is the devoted father of two young children. After his daughter was rushed to Boston Children’s Hospital and spent a Christmas there, Paul decided to create a stuffed animal drive for children who spend their holiday in the hospital away from friends and family. Operation Stuffy is in its third year, bringing joy to the lives of children away from home during the holidays.

Annette Marino, of Seabrook, was nominated by Paula Boivin. Because of her husband’s disability, Annette is the main provider for her family of five and is also enrolled in school. Her children face obstacles such as autism and ADHD, but Annette is a strong advocate for her children within their school. She works hand in hand with school officials to ensure that her children are learning and developing and to foster her children’s development within the home environment. Annette is tireless in her desire to improve her children’s lives.

“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.