There's no denying it...The Hudson Valley is chock-full of Incredible Kids and parents just waiting for the opportunity to brag about them! We asked parents to tell us how their kids show bravery for a chance to be featured in this issue and the opportunity to be on a future cover of Hudson Valley Parent. Our staff was overwhelmed with all the great submissions.
We read stories about kids who are not afraid to try new things and kids who never give up no matter what sort of obstacles are placed in front of them.
Choosing our four finalists was not easy. Alas, after much deliberation, Hudson Valley Parent is proud to announce our fifth group of Incredible Kids! We'd also like to extend a hearty thank you to our Incredible Kids sponsor, The Children's Medical Group.
Finalist: Jace, 3 of Ulster
Mom Kayla says: "He never gives up and overcomes every challenge. Jace suffered from a stroke in utero, causing him to have hemiplegia (weakness) of his right side. Over the past 3 years, we've had many therapies and many doctor appointments. At 6 months old he was behind on milestones. But with hard work from us, his family, and his therapists and doctors, he overcame the challenges that his hemiplegia causes. He always has the biggest smile on his face and touches the lives of everyone he meets. And I know with his constant determination and his strong-willed mind that he will continue to surpass the obstacles in his way."
Finalist: Lyla (left), 11 of Poughkeepsie
Mom Christine says: "Even though she has inattentive ADHD and struggles in school with spelling, math and reading, she worked so hard all throughout elementary school and at her 5th grade moving up ceremony she received an award. Lyla is now on reading level and is very proud of herself!"
Finalist: Axell, 6 of Hamptonburgh
Mom Kim says: "Even though he may be shy or hesitant to try something new, he still pushes himself to do it! Axell ice skates, swims, rides ATVs, rock climbs, biked, hover boards, kayaks, competes in Spartan races, has played soccer, golf and baseball, practices Tae Kwon Doe, does gymnastics and ninja warrior training, and participates in a variety of camps. Axell also completed his first kids' triathlon in August. As parents, we are proud of him for the very fact that he tries new things and has become such a great role model for his little brother (who is following in his footsteps). It is an incredible and beautiful thing to see children blossom and grow as they experience what life has to offer.
Finalist: Tyler (left), 6 of Carmel
Mom Telina says: "He will try new stuff all the time. He fishes and insists he doesn't need help putting worms on the hooks. He will make friends at the playground even with preteens. He is so outgoing and open to new experiences. Tyler loves to travel and eat new foods. he is starting track (totally his choice) soon. Learning to swim was a breeze for him. I have always encouraged him to be the best and to have fun. One of the best things about Tyler is he encourages his three-year-old brother Noah to try stuff all the time. Tyler is so amazing and way more courageous than I ever was. He jumps off boulders, kayaks and reads chapter books!"
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