The Dawson News & Advertiser challenged the community to find the Mother of the Year, the one mother who has gone above and beyond for her children. And boy, did you deliver. We received dozens of responses, and were touched by the many reasons you love your moms. One mom, Melissa Armstrong, stood above the rest, and we are proud to honor her with our title Mother of the Year, and a gift basket featuring gifts from Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge, LongHorn Steakhouse, Shear Madness Salon & Tan and 400 Loan & Jewelry.

GRAND PRIZE: MELISSA ARMSTRONG

Reasons why I think my mom should be Mother of the Year is because she has had muscle disease, it is new and she has had it for a long time. She was very patient about it. She spent most of her time in the hospital.

I have one brother and two sisters. It was hard for my dad and it was hard for my mom. She is deaf. She is very hard-working and she doesnt get to relax a lot. She really cares for other things such as animals and stuff. She donates money for the people that have cancer. She was very brave through it. The doctors said she might die but she didnt. I kept praying and praying. Everyone in my family was praying. She is still living now.

I just always have her close to me. We have a special bond. Im very happy that I get to spend time with her. She understands me better than anyone. I can feel safe with her. I have faith in her that she will do good in her years now. She is very brave, smart, respectful, strong, loving, caring, powerful, intelligent and this other stuff Im just so happy that I can have her with me every day. I would really appreciate it and so would she if she could be Mother of the Year.

Thank you.