Every mom is special, but some truly stand out and deserve to be recognized for the sacrifices and dedication they’ve made for their children and their families. Time Warner Cable, in seeking to know who those top moms are, recently held a contest in which students from fourth to twelfth grade wrote essays of 150 to 500 words telling why their mom is the best. The contest is in its tenth year. The essays were judged by a panel of local journalists, politicians and teachers who selected the 50 best moms for 2011, based on the children’s explanations. The writers of three essays — one from each school level: elementary, middle and high school — were awarded a new Sony VAIO laptop computer. In addition, the winning students’ teachers received a $250 gift card for supplies for their classrooms. Two La Jolla moms made the cut, and the student authors shared their words with the Village News: Best Mom: Gisele Chalhoub, La Jolla Student: Talia Chalhoub, grade 7, Muirlands Middle School “The saying, “mom knows best” is actually true in my case. My mom is not only a mother who loves and cares for us, but a leader for everyone. People should be more like her. Unique, intelligent, creative and patient. Without her, I would not have been born, my family would not have been created and the world would not have received the best gift of all: a loving, kind, magnificent beating heart.” Best Mom: Neda Mesri, La Jolla Student: Yassi Mesri, grade 5, Bird Rock Elementary Moms. We all know we can’t live without them. They’re so helpful and kind. They’re also funny, but sometimes embarrassing. We all love them. My mommy, Neda Mesri, is the best mom in the whole entire universe. One reason why she is the best is because she is always there for me. For example, when I’m feeling glum, she’ll comfort me while I tell her what’s wrong. Then, she’ll help me think of a solution for my problem. My mommy’s solutions always work.”