2009 Mom of the Year: Ginger Anderson, nominated by son Ben Potter
Ginger Anderson, of Niagara, WI, was selected as the 2009 Mom of Year for Michigan Tech’s Family Weekend. Son Ben writes,
“She has sacrificed so much to help me attain the success I am presently enjoying. My mother works full-time as a teacher, has worked part-time as a Certified Nursing Assistant and advises many extra-curricular activities within her high school to make ends meet. Regardless of the obstacles before her, she always maintains this philosophy: 'When you live for a strong purpose, then hard work isn't an option. It's a necessity' ... I have learned that it can be easy to exceed the expectations of others simply by being someone who is reliable, diligent, and personable. My mother has always exhibited these qualities and I am consumed with the desire to remain like her.”
2009 Dad of the Year: Mike Sabbann, nominated by daughter Leslie Sabbann
Mike Sabbann, of Woodbury, MN, was selected as the 2009 Dad of the Year for Michigan Tech’s Family Weekend. Daughter Leslie writes,
“The older I get, the more I am able to recognize the importance of a father's role in his daughter's life. My dad has always been so willing to help me when I need it, show me love, and teach me how to have fun ... One thing I greatly respect about my dad is the way he prioritizes his time. His family has always been more important to him than his career ... Another thing that I appreciate greatly about Dad is the freedom that he has given me as I have grown up. I feel safe in this freedom because I know that I have strong and loving fatherly arms to fall back on when I need them."