Mothers recognized as being tops in Nevada

Susan Wallace Leavitt and Lori Klopfer are paragons of motherhood, and they have the credentials to prove it.

Leavitt and Klopfer have just been named 2004's Nevada Mother of the Year and Nevada Young Mother Representative, respectively, by American Mothers Inc., a national interfaith organization that sponsors educational, cultural and spiritual programs for mothers. They will be honored at a banquet May 14 at Texas Station.

The women were chosen because they have a wonderful message to share with other mothers, said Antoinette Montandon, the organization's Nevada president.

"I think all mothers who don't give up are special," Montandon said. "The reason these women were chosen is that they spread the message to not give up, to hang in there and you will reap the benefits (of motherhood)."

Leavitt is a 46-year-old mother of four who lives in Henderson. Her children range in age from 17-24. She sees motherhood as a calling and takes it very seriously.

"My philosophy on motherhood is that children need to know they are number one in their parents' lives, that they come first," she said. "In order for them to grow up to be good solid citizens, they need to be given the proper tools in the home. They need self-esteem and an environment where they feel secure."

Klopfer agrees that children need to be the center of family life.

"I feel that to be an effective mom you need to have quantity time with your children," she said. "Quantity is just as important as quality, because out of quantity comes quality. When my kids come in from school, scouting, piano or soccer lessons, I try to be there at the crossroads. They depend on me being there."

Klopfer, 34, is raising five children, ages 10 months to 9 years old, in North Las Vegas. She considers herself a stay-at-home mom who doesn't stay home.

"I'm at the school almost every day of my life volunteering," she said.

Klopfer serves as PTA president at Cozine Elementary, where she started a new reading program called Partners About Literacy. The program pairs community volunteers with students who are struggling with reading skills, so the students get extra one-on-one reading time.

Literacy is a passion for Klopfer. She studied elementary education in college, but taught only one year before becoming a stay-at-home mom.

"It was always my plan to go back," Klopfer said. "But now that I realize what is needed to be a mom, I don't plan to ever go back. I need to be there for my kids."

Leavitt also thinks moms need to make the most of the limited time they have with their children.

"I feel like we only have a minute to raise them and make a difference with our children, and then that opportunity is over," she said.

After being nominated for Mother of the Year and Young Mother Representative, the two women had to write essays about themselves, put together a biography and gather letters of recommendation from community members and clergy. Then they were interviewed by chapter representatives. During their one-year terms, the mothers are expected to speak about motherhood to community organizations as their schedules allow.

Montandon said it's important to recognize excellent mothers.

"Mothers determine the future," she said. "If you have good mothers that teach children values and morals, the next generation is going to be good. A great mother can be very powerful."

For more information about American Mothers Inc., visit www.americanmothers.org or call Montandon at 648-9393.


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