We're thrilled to announce the winners of our Today's Extraordinary Grandparents contest. These shining stars — nominated by you! — are ordinary grandparents doing extraordinary things for their grandchildren, their community, and their country.
In addition to boasting the grand title of Today’s Extraordinary Grandparent, each of the five winners will receive $500 to donate to a school or organization of their choice.
And without further ado, the winners ...
Helena Koenig
Helena, of Washington, D.C., is helping to enrich the lives of grandparents and grandchildren through travel. Her company, Grandtravel, caters to adventures for grandparents and their grandchildren. Helena, a grandmother of ten, loves teaching her own grandchildren by showing them the world. She says the pleasure and fun of it all motivates her to be the best grandmother she can be. Of her win, Helena says it's all too exciting.
Kris Bare
Kris, of Metamora, Ill., retired early from her career as a junior-high math teacher to be a stay-at-home grandmother to her two grandsons, one of whom has Down syndrome. Kris has always loved caring for children; it was her reason for becoming a teacher. She says there's a special bond she shares with her grandchild; Kris enjoys all the fun things they do together.
Richard Velasquez
As a PTA president in San Jose, Calif., Richard is working on increasing the participation of men and grandparents in school activities nationwide. Since his nomination as a semifinalist, he has been recognized in the community for his efforts. Richard believes education is the most important thing he can instill in his grandchildren. He plans to donate the prize money to his school and says it should help with basic needs.
Marietta Glazier
After a long battle to gain custody of her two granddaughters, Marietta, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., started a support group to help others in the same situation. As the girls' grandmother — though she feels she is their parent — Marietta, teaches them the importance of fundraising and volunteering in the community. They give their time for the joy of seeing other people happy. Each night, Marietta asks them to tell her one thing they're thankful for. She says being a grandmother keeps her young.
Paulette Sirbaugh
Paulette, of Funkstown, Md., is a grandmother of one who is helping to raise her grandchild while her daughter serves our country. She believes her granddaughter should have stability in her life and that is why the little girl lives with her. Paulette says she doesn't feel extraordinary, but she is delighted with the compliment! She is giving money to early-child development, specifically pre-k and kindergarten.
A final note — in our search for Today’s Extraordinary Grandparents, we received hundreds of fantastic nominations. Grandparents.com would like to salute all our nominees, including the 50 spectacular semifinalists and 20 fablulous finalists!
View the full slideshow of our winners.
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