Children from throughout Prince George's County received awards Sunday afternoon for what most parents would consider ordinary milestones: counting to 10 or 20, reciting the alphabet, learning to brush their teeth and putting two or three words together.
For those 13 children who were honored, these milestones have taken longer, but their parents couldn't be more proud.
The ceremony marked the second annual achievement awards for Parents of Children with Down Syndrome of Prince George's County, or PODS, a Largo-based parent support and resource for families in the county and the surrounding area who have children or family members with Down syndrome. The event was held at the Arc of Prince George's County in Largo, which helps connect families with PODS.
"Everyday victories are often overlooked, but it's the little things, the little steps that bring boundless rewards," said PODS member and mother Teia Brown of Camp Springs during the award presentations.
Brown's 8-year-old daughter, Celidreya, received an award for winning second place in a science fair and for making the honor roll for the first through third quarters at Oxon Hill Elementary School. As she accepted her award, she simply said, "Thank you." Many children clapped, some shrieked enthusiastically and others proudly walked away with their certificate in hand.
Audra Nobles, 22, of College Park said receiving an award for designing and selling her own jewelry line, "With These Hands," made her feel "fantastic," and seeing the other children receive awards "makes me feel good they're learning."
Michael Tucker, 49, of Largo, whose 3-year-old daughter, Mikayla, won an award for learning to brush her teeth and increasing her social skills, said the awards ceremony allows parents of children with Down syndrome to come together.
"It's nice to come together, to meet other children and other fathers who are in the same situation you are in and to know you're not alone," he said.
Sherri Wright of Upper Marlboro, a parent coordinator for PODS, said she is proud of her son, Robert, 4, who won an award for putting four or five words together in a complete sentence, using a mouse to open computer programs and counting to five.
"I'm thinking about where he was last year, and all he's had to do to get to this point," she said. "I just can't put it into words – I just thank God."
Wright said PODS operates like a village in terms of support.
"We all experience the same things — we've laughed and cried together; we all rejoice together," she said. "There's no need to explain yourself — they understand where you're coming from."
Yvette Smith, 43, of Laurel said her daughter Naomi, 3, has come a long way in her ability to count to 20, dress and undress herself, help with household chores and learn her ABCs.
"She's made quite a bit of progress," Smith said. "It's heartwarming to see these children recognized — each child develops differently, and it's important to celebrate these milestones."
E-mail Liz Skalski at eskalski@gazette.net.
