By Heather White

With light music playing in the background by the University of Louisville’s own Graduate String Quartet, students honored their parents and caregivers at the first-ever “Parent of the Year” award reception.
The event was one of a few “firsts” for the university this past weekend, with the additions of “Family Weekend” and the “Parent of the Year” (POTY) award to the campus.
After seeing the effect of the award at other college campuses, Dean of Students Dr. Michael Mardis made the decision to bring a similar award to the families of U of L.
“I implemented the award because I saw it work really well on other campuses,” said Mardis. “This is the first year we’ve had a family weekend and it fits in well with that.”
Open to all students, the POTY award was created to recognize parents or caregivers who have made an impact on the lives of students. 
Among the 45 applicants, Arielle Dyda, a junior music major, sent in her nomination for both her mother and father. 
“I chose my father because he passed away this past May and his dream for me was to finish college,” she said. “I also chose my mother because she has been extremely strong for me during this whole period of trying events.”  
According to Susie Cucura, U of L Marketing Coordinator, the POTY award is something that will now become an annual event.
 “The process was very simple and easy to follow,” said Cucura. “All you had to do was fill out an online application form, then copy and paste your nomination letter.”
Many of the students who participated noticed the easy and hassle-free nomination process.
“I’m honestly surprised more students didn’t take advantage of this opportunity because it was so painless,” said Dyda.
A commemorative award was bestowed upon Dyda’s mother and father this past Saturday during a ceremony that Dyda described as “absolutely wonderful.”
Dyda, whose mother lives in Pittsburgh, Pa, accepted the award on her parents’ behalf. 
“Michael Mardis recognized who I was when I accepted my parents’ award and gave me a hug, personally thanking me for my entry,” said Dyda. “A few other faculty stopped me before I left, some crying, thanking me for my story and submission.”
Senior Misty Lasch also enjoyed the ceremony.  “I think it went very well.  I was very impressed with the vocalist and his performance,” said Lasch. “The winning essay was also very touching.”
Nicole Wells-Anik felt that the event went very well and said that she was eager to give her parents recognition.
“My parents have no idea how much they are appreciated,” said Wells-Anik. “It is very rare for a child to get the opportunity to honor their parents in this way. I had to jump at the chance to do so.”
With her winning nomination, Wells-Anik did just that.
“It was wonderful,” she said of the POTY event. “My parents were so honored to just be nominated and my mother actually cried just knowing I wrote the essay.”
According to graduate assistant Eric Annala, who helped coordinate the event, it offered a great opportunity to students and parents.
Annala expressed his appreciation to those who participated.
“We are glad to bring to light the families that do so much for the lives of the university’s most precious asset-our students,” said Annala. “Thank you to the parents for making it all possible.”
Lauren Engle, a freshman biology major, also came away from the event with a lasting positive impression.
“It was nice to be gathered around a bunch of people who thought their parents were just as great as mine,” said Engle. “You could tell that everyone in the room thought highly of their parents just by their reactions to being there for being nominated.”
And in the spirit of both Family Weekend and the Parent of the Year event, Engle let her mother have the last word:
“I think my mom said it best,” said Engle. “She said, ‘No matter who the winner is, we are all winners just for being nominated.”
-Thompson  Perry contributed to this story.