Donna Adams and Demsha Thompson were on Tuesday presented with The Ministry of Education and Youth, Region One, Outstanding Parent awards.

Ms. Adams, the mother of a grade-three student at St. George's Girls Primary and Infant School in Kingston and Mr. Thompson, father of a grade-six student at St. Aloysius Primary, Kingston, said they were elated to be given the top award.

"I feel humbled. It is not something that I expected, but I am a parent and I believe that I am a part of the school," Ms. Adams said, following the awards ceremony, held at the Medallion Hall Hotel, St. Andrew.

She added, "It is not teachers alone that make a school, it is the entire community."

Ms. Adams was instrumental in getting a photocopying machine for her child's school. She is also seeking funds to have the floors of the grade one to three classrooms tiled.

"I feel great. It's hard work and dedication and that school is a part of me," said a beaming Mr. Thompson.

He was instrumental in painting classrooms at St. Aloysius and has treated educators on Teachers' Day. Mr. Thompson has also distributed materials on behalf of teachers and has helped to resolve conflicts between students.

Fathers need to become more involved

The outstanding father charged other male parents to become active in their children's school lives. According to him, fathers need to become more involved because there are few male role models in the education system, as the teaching population is mostly made up of females.

Several other parents also received certificates for their outstanding contribution to their children's education.

The Parent Awards ceremony was one of several activities to celebrate Parent Month. The month, which ended yesterday was observed under the theme: "Parents, Today You Guide ... Tomorrow, They Lead".