When MHS sophomore Lizetl Molina penned a school essay on fatherhood this spring, she wrote about her mom and all that she does to fill both parental roles.

Her essay, which highlighted a strong and independent woman who has been both mother and father to Molina, was named one of the top entries in the Illinois Fatherhood Initiative’s Essay Contest. Molina and her mother will be honored in Chicago on Saturday, June 20, one day before Father’s Day. 

Scot Marcotte, President of the Illinois Fatherhood Initiative, said while it isn’t unusual for a student to write an essay about their mom, it’s rare when those essays win.  But her essay was well-written, it spoke to her mom’s dedication and came from the heart.

She wrote about how her mom’s hard work ethic and encouraging words always inspires her.

“Whenever I was sad, my mom would say, ‘no matter how hard it gets or when you're about to give up, give it your all and follow your dreams. I love you so much!’ This meant a lot to me and my mom is a strong and independent woman, and I have always admired her for that,” she wrote.

The Fatherhood Initiative chooses one winner for each grade level (grades K-12) from across the state. Molina’s essay ended in a tie with another sophomore. Both students will be honored along with their parents.

MHS English Teacher Angela McLaughlin said students are given the option to choose someone to write about who has stepped into the fatherhood role, sometimes an uncle or grandfather. It’s the first time an MHS student wrote about their mother. Not all students choose to enter the contest. But Molina entered and won.

“That was really cool,” McLaughlin said. 

Marcotte said the Fatherhood Initiative is happy to recognize all father figures, whether they are coaches, mentors or others.

“It takes a village sometimes,” Marcotte said. “In this case we’re celebrating that the mom was so present in that role, regardless of her gender.”