There is no bond quite like that of a mother and child. In honor of Mother’s Day we’d like to pay tribute to the ladies who have helped develop their children into the leaders they are today. Here, a few local celebrities share that which their mothers have instilled in them. MIA STEFANKO
Sandra Maas, KUSI News Anchor
"Dedication. Being on television, I’m often approached by people I don’t know, who want to pass on a friendly word or two. Most of the time it has absolutely nothing to do with my high-profile job. Instead, I’m entertained with great stories about my mother. Before retiring, my mom was an elementary school principal in the Solana Beach School District. And the tales are always the same. They can’t believe how my mom remembered the name of each student she enthusiastically greeted at the curb each day — and there were hundreds! Or how she spent weekends helping a child or family deal with some crisis. Or how she raised thousands of dollars at school fundraisers by auctioning off “A Day at the Movies with Mrs. Wilson.” Whether it’s work, family or friends, my mother’s dedication is legendary. It’s a characteristic that’s served my family and our community well."
Rana Sampson, Director of Development at the San Diego Center for Children
Everything I learned about goodness I learned from my mom. She taught me that there is goodness in every person and that it is the first thing you should look for in a person. My mom never had to say this out loud, I could see it by watching her. My mom has won over the hardest of people and it is because she sees the good in them, even when it is not obvious to others, perhaps not even obvious to themselves.
Luke Walton, Los Angeles Lakers forward
My mom has instilled many things in me. One of which is how important it is to live a full and balanced life and to enjoy different experiences while living in the moment. She has also taught me to do my best to make the world a better place and to help others whenever possible.
Sydney Wheeler, former Ranch & Coast cover model and recent Survivor contestant
My gorgeous mom taught me that life is short and it’s your life. Don’t let others hold you back, and shoot your goals towards the moon! My mom also taught me how to make delicious banana pudding and country fried steak! When I go home, I also plan on gaining at least five pounds because I can’t let any of her cooking go to waste! My mom is my hero.
Antonio Cromartie, San Diego Chargers cornerback
My mother Cassandra has always taught me that working hard will always pay off. If you have the desire to succeed, through hard work and staying on course, it will pay off. Growing up my mom showed me the way to stay off the streets. My outlet was sports. My mother also passed along great athletic ability.
UC San Diego Chancellor Marye Anne Fox
"My mother taught me from an early age to welcome a challenge. ‘The higher the mountain, and the steeper the climb,’ she’d say, ‘the more rewarding the view.’"
