WS Chronicle

Photo by Roslyn Payne of Trinity Studios

Local Christian radio station announces winners of annual contest held to honor mothers

BY TEVIN STINSON

THE CHRONICLE

More than 100 mothers gathered at The Enterprise Center last Thursday to hear who would be crowned “Mother of the Year.”

Since 2000, Anita “Boss Lady” Dean-Arnette of The Light (1340 AM WPOL) a Christian radio station, has invited listeners to send in letters to nominate their mothers for Mother of the Year. This year, station officials sorted through scores of letters and decided Alice Dixon-Sims deserved to wear the 2016 crown.

Along with a crown and plaque, Dixon-Sims’ honorable designation came with a four-day cruise to the Bahamas. Although she was unable to attend the reception held to announce the winners, Dixon-Sims’ joy and excitement could be heard through the phone as she spoke with “Boss-Lady” shortly after the announcement.

Dixon-Sims’ letter was submitted by her son Shelby Owens. Before reading the winning letter, Owens said he decided to enter the contest because his mother always makes sure other people are taken care of.

“She a very loving person,” said Owens, “I want to thank The Light and Boss Lady. I know this is something she will never forget.”

Second-place winner is Ruby Williams. The third-place winner is Bertha Godley. Fourth-place went to Shelva Davis and Cora Smith took home fifth-place honors.

There were also a number of honorable mentions announced during the reception held last week including: Allie G. Highsmith, Wendee Haywood, Wilhelmenia Leak, Ethel Braddy, Tameka Roseboro, Tawanna L. Archia and Carolyn Samuels.

Between taking pictures with dozens of adoring fans, Dean-Arnette said that when she started the contest 16 years ago, she had no idea it would grow to become such a big event. She said the first year the contest only had five mothers and the awards ceremony was held inside a small conference room at the radio station.

“God has really blessed us over the years,” she said. “It has been amazing to see the event grow. It has become an event the community looks forward to each year.”

Boss Lady said although there is a lot of work that goes into holding the contest every year, she continues to do it because there are a number of deserving mothers who will not receive anything on Mother’s Day. She said the contest gives mothers, sisters, grandmothers, aunts, mother figures and even mentors a chance to be recognized for all they do.

During an interview with The Chronicle, Dean-Arnette said, “The look on the mothers’ faces is well worth it.

“This is not about me,” she continued.  “It’s about giving God the praise and touching one life at a time. That’s why I continue to do it. The looks on their faces brings me a lot of excitement and joy.”