Mom wins prize as top role model

o7The Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot went to Thurston Middle School on

Wednesday and asked students who had just heard Rudy Ruettiger speak,

“Who inspires you the most?”

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“Most definitely my mom, she is always there for me -- tries and

tries and never gives up. She’s an inspiration.”

SAMANTHA GARNER, 12

“My mom because she’s a single mom, really hard working, a really

great mother. She really inspires me. My mom tells me that as long as

I try my hardest, nothing else really matters.”

MONICA PROKES, 12

“My older sister and my mom. My older sister is really successful.

She just got out of college a couple of years ago, has an apartment

and a job at Surf and Sand. My mom inspires me because she does a lot

of volunteer work. She started the AIDS caretaker program -- the

ACTION Program [Aids Care Team in Our Neighborhood].”

SARAH DAVIS, 13

“My horseback riding trainer and my mom, mostly. My mom helps me

through everything that comes up in my life. My trainer inspires me

because I always wanted to quit when I would get afraid. She helps me

stay with it whenever I’m afraid.”

MERCEDES MARTIN, 13

“My mom because she’s kind, friendly and she’s very funny.”

KALEB ROTERT, 13