Judging Information

The Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® judging process is designed to recognize the most creative student writing by grade level.

How submissions are graded:

Since 1997, a panel of Orange County teachers have been designated as contest judges to evaluate every submission.  No teacher is allowed to judge any submission from his or her school and can only judge submissions from other schools. This eliminates the possibility of bias. 

Participants are evaluated for creativity by grade level. Participants are graded within each classroom to allow friendly competition.  A lower advanced class, for example, does not compete with a more advanced class.  Since judges may read thousands of submissions, it is helpful that students use innovative phrases and creative word choices. 

When first-prize winners are culled into a final best-of-the-best stack, the grand-prize Diamond Winner is chosen by founder Diamond Mike Watson.  To maintain the integrity of the contest, every effort is made to ensure these excellent essays are completed in class, are not plagiarized, and appear to be the student’s normal writing ability. 

Judging Rules- More Information

Present and Past Judges

Sherri Adams

Jennifer Ahn

FERN DRIVE ELEMENTARY, FULLERTON, CA Jennifer received her Bachelors degrees in Psychology and Sociology from Biola University and her teaching credential from California State University, Fullerton, with a BCLAD in Mandarin-Chinese. She continued her graduate studies and received a Masters degree from National University. Jennifer has been teaching for eight years in the Fullerton School District and is currently a second grade teacher at Fern Drive Elementary School. "Thank you again for the amazing opportunity to serve as a judge. I truly enjoyed the experience!”

Hazel Alvarez

UNIVERSITY PARK ELEMENTARY, IRVINE, CA Hazel Alvarez is currently a Special Day Class teacher for 3rd and 4th grades at University Park Elementary School in Irvine. She received her Education Specialist and Multiple Subjects credentials at Chapman University. Prior to teaching at University Park, she taught special education at Lake Center Middle School in Santa Fe Springs. “The Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest was a great experience reading about how the students appreciate their moms”.

Michele Arbozow

Teri Azvedo

Sandra Babic

Marina Baltazar

LINCOLN ELEMENTARY, SANTA ANA, CA Marina has taught 4th grade at Lincoln Elementary in Santa Ana for the past four years. She received her Bachelors degree in Liberal Studies from Cal State Fullerton as well as her Bilingual CLAD teaching credential. Her most important achievement has been having a family to share her accomplishments. "I enjoy teaching because I believe that every child has potential to become great leaders and as a teacher I provide the educational tools to achieve their goals. This is my first year being a judge and I had a great time reading about what they felt about their mother. I am glad I was part of this wonderful acknowledgement for mothers."

Cristina Barber

MACARTHUR FUNDAMENTA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL, SANTA ANA, CA Cristina was born in Inglewood, California, the descendant of two hardworking Cuban parents. She grew up in Huntington Beach, California, and graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a Bachelor’s Degree and earned a Master’s Degree in Reading and Language Arts. She has worked as a fifth grade teacher, a Spanish teacher, an English language development teacher, and is currently a sixth grade Language Arts teacher. "I enjoy the excitement of telling my students that they’ve won a precious stone from Gallery of Diamonds. It’s rewarding to give students the opportunity to participate in a contest that honors their mother through the expressive poems they are inspired to write."

Kim Bass

Roxanne Blake

PHILLIP J. REILLY ELEMENTARY, MISSION VIEJO, CA Roxane Blake is a veteran teacher of 20 years in the Capistrano Unified School District. "I am passionate about encouraging students to grow as writers. I have participated in the Why Mom Deserves a Diamond contest for the past seven years. Mothers often have a thankless job. They provide loving support, a good listening ear, and hugs when they are needed most. We depend on mothers to do so many things for us, but how often do we reach out to tell them how much we love them? The Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest is a wonderful opportunity for children to write a beautiful l expression of their love for their mothers. In addition, it gives students the chance to feel the power behind the written word, and build their confidence as authors. It is an honor to be a teacher who can encourage students to participate in such a meaningful writing experience."

Jan Bryant

MARINERS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, COSTA MESA, CA As a veteran teacher of over thirty years, Mrs. Bryant has inspired many students to express themselves through their writing. As an author of two books, Mrs. Bryant credits her earliest writing experience to her 4th grade teacher, who compiled her own classroom book of Poems Written by Children on a Rainy Afternoon. Mrs. Bryant still has some of those poems she wrote as a child, and she encourages all of her students to save their poems and writing ideas. You never know when that idea can be turned into a published story or poem! "I love it when students who never thought they could write begin to learn the joy of creating beautiful and expressive words."

Jennifer Busby

Sharon Cecchi

Jeff Chien

W.R. NELSON ELEMENTARY, TUSTIN, CA Jeff is a 4th grade teacher and the chair of the school writing committee. He is currently his school’s Teacher of the Year. He has been awarded two grants for writing. Jeff has created a college scholarship endowment for his former students that are supervised by the Tustin Public School’s Foundation.

Anne Culpepper

Gail Dasno

Danille DeFrank

PLAZA VISTA ELEMENTARY, IRVINE, CA Pink roses wrapped in aluminum foil. A collection of sea rocks in a Ziploc. Baked goods burned on the bottom. What does a child give her queen? Already an adult, Danielle De Frank still tries to find the right gifts to express appreciation for her mom, knowing none could ever match in comparison with what has been provided. Danielle is an Elementary Science Specialist for the Irvine Unified School District, running science labs at two schools.

Kathy DiCato

Leilani DiCato

Paulette Dunn

LINCOLN ELEMENTARY, SANTA ANA, CA "One of the most rewarding tasks in life is to teach children, and in teaching them, I’ve learned a simple truth. The Mother-child bond is the strongest link to family that there is. The genuine love that children feel for their mothers is written so tenderly in their essays. I so enjoy reading the sincere and innocent beauty of the words they express so sweetly."

Shelli Eckenrod

Amanda Estrada

Jennifer Ferrara

CHARLES EMERY, BUENA PARK, CA Miss Ferrara has been teaching for 16 years in the Buena Park School District. She has taught all grade levels, and is currently teaching sixth grade at Charles G. Emery Elementary School. Jennifer received her bachelors and masters degrees from California State University, Fullerton. She received Teacher of the Year from her colleagues in both 1995 and in 2002. This is the ninth year that Miss Ferrara’s class has been participating in the Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest, and her fourth year as a panel judge. "Writing about the one you love most is so natural. That is why every poem is truly a winner!"

Colleen Ferreira

Randi Finney

Jamey Flynn

Amanda Frazier

Jane Freet

Karen French

REILLY ELEMENTARY, MISSION VIEJO, CA Karen French is a veteran teacher of 23 years with the Capistrano Unified School District. She has participated with her students in the Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest for over ten years. Karen was also an honored Diamond Teacher in 2001 and 2004 and was a Diamond Contest Panel Judge in 2009! "I simply love the Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® because it gives the opportunity for my students to reflect on the love they have for their moms and to express it creatively in words. As a mother, wife, and teacher, I am honored to participate in the judging and to read each child’s amazing words of love."

Gail Gilpin

BARCELONA HILLS ELEMENTARY, MISSION VIEJO, CA Gail Gilpin has been teaching for 30 years for the Capistrano Unified School District. She received her Bachelor degree from the University of California, Riverside and her Masters in Education from the United States International University. The highlight of her teaching experience has been the past five years teaching in a collaborative second grade program that mainstreams students with special needs with the regular education program. "As a mother and a teacher I treasure the Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest as a highly motivating writing experience for my students and a life long memorable event for the winners and their mothers."

Stephanie Goodenough

Jim Harris

Tracy Heck

LEXINGTON JUNIOR HIGH, CYPRESS, CA "A mother is not only the one who gives you life, she teaches you about life; loves and protects you through life, encourages you to be the best in life; and allows you to live your life to the fullest. I am the mom I am today because of my beautiful mom."

Marina Hernandez

Sonya Hollon

Debbie Ingram

TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL, ANAHEIM, CA "I love this contest because it gives students the chance to think about, verbalize, and write about why their mothers are special to them.  We have a really good time discussing why moms are important." Debbie has been a teacher for 23 years. She loves kids and enjoys helping them learn new and exciting things in every subject, especially history and the Bible.

A. Kalfus-Diaz

Annie Kensinger

TAFT ELEMENTARY, SANTA ANA, CA Annie received her Bachelors degree from UC Irvine and her Masters and Teaching Credential from Pepperdine University.  She is a math and science professional development provider for her district and has trained numerous future teachers in credentialing programs.   Annie was a Year 2010 Diamond Contest Panel Judge! "This is truly a heart-warming experience to be part of this celebration of Moms."

Jamie Lassaude

Laura Little

Maggie Lopez

John MacMurray

Kathi Manuel

COX ELEMENTARY, FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA I have been teaching for over 35 years in the Fountain Valley School District. I am currently the Coordinator for the School Improvement Program at James H. Cox School. Several summers ago, I participated in the U.C.I. Writing Project. It changed my life. Participating teachers were expected to write a selection each week to share with their writing group. It revealed to me the power of words and of writing. That’s why I am so impressed with the Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest. By participating in it, many young writers will feel the power of their words. They’ll be able to pay tribute to their mothers and experience how their words touch the hearts of their wonderful moms. I am sure there are lots of tears and hugs that follow the reading of each piece of writing. I enjoyed reading each and every entry and encourage everyone to keep writing!

Anne Marie

Nancy Marosi

TAFT ELEMENTARY, SANTA ANA, CA Nancy received her Bachelor’s Degree from Cal State Fullerton in 1984. She began her teaching career as a Peace Corps TEFL teacher (Teacher of English as a Foreign Language) in Gabon, West Africa from 1985-1987. She has been teaching for 21 years. Nancy has been teaching second grade English language learners in the Santa Ana Unified School District for the past 14 years.

Michelle Matney

Janette Mattoon

ST. PAUL'S LUTHERAN SCHOOL, ORANGE, CA "It is amazing to see the growth in small children, and the amazing abilities in older students. The Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest is a wonderful experience to be a part of. To see the reflection in writing of how lucky we are to be mom’s. I have two wonderful children who loved participating in this contest!"

Elizabeth Merket

ELDORADO EMERSON PRIVATE SCHOOL, ORANGE, CA This is Miss Merket’s second year teaching 3rd grade at Eldorado Emerson Private School. I love teaching and am proud to be following my childhood dream of being a teacher. This is my first year judging the Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest . Reading so many students’ sweet words about their mother is truly a treat.”

Katie Michels

Bonnie Morse

MCPHERSON MAGNET, ORANGE, CA Bonnie has been teaching for over 35 years. She received her Bachelors, Teaching, and Learning Handicapped Specialist Credentials from Fullerton University, Reading Specialist from Chapman University, and Masters in computer Education from Azusa Pacific. She is currently teaching 5th grade at McPherson Magnet K-8 Science, Math and Technology School in Orange Unified School District. "I have been participating in the Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest for 8 years. There is nothing I like more than to see a child write. When they write about their moms there is a special excitement and enthusiasm that helps their creativity. The essays are full of love and hope."

M’Liss Patterson

Esmeralda Pulido

Jan Richards

Mike Rager

VIEJO ELEMENTARY. MISSION VIEJO, CA Mike has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Redlands and a Master of Arts from California State Fullerton. He has been a Capistrano Unified school teacher since 1997. Mike has a Purple Belt in Karate. His favorite poet is Seamus Heaney.

Judy Richonne

Cyndi Robbins

Debbie Ronstadt

FERN DRIVE ELEMENTARY, FULLERTON, CA "This was my first year participating in the Why Mom Deserves a Diamond contest. It was an amazing experience for the students and myself. The rich and expressive language the children came up with to describe their mothers was extraordinary. In my eyes every student is a winner."

Valarie Ruig

COURREGES ELEMENTARY. FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA. "I’m thrilled to participate in the Why Mom Deserves a Diamond contest. What an amazing way to ignite creativity in our children and offer gratitude toward Mom!” Valerie Ruig received her Bachelor's degrees in Journalism and in Communications from USC and her teaching credential and Masters in Education from Concordia University. She is currently teaching fifth-grade G.A.T.E. in Orange County.

Angie Rumsey

Elaine Sandberg

SADDLEBACK VALLEY CHRISTIAN, SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA "I have been blessed to have two children who have participated and won gemstones in the Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest. I have been privileged to be a participating teacher of first grade students who have been given the opportunity to express their love for their mothers in a unique way. This is an amazing opportunity for all participants!"

Nicole Schlosser

JAMES A. COX ELEMENTARY, FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA "I am truly honored to be a part of this rewarding and unforgettable opportunity."

Debra Sheehan

Diane Sinclair

Marsha Sipkovich

WESTMONT ELEMENTARY, WESTMINSTER, CA Marsha is a teacher from Westmont Elementary in Westminster, California. "My students have participated in the Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest for many years. It was a joy to read all of the heartfelt sentiments the students wrote about their mothers. Writing about someone they love definitely inspires their creativity!"

Anna Smith

LOS COYOTES ELEMENTARY, LA PALMA, CA Anna received her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Art from Pepperdine University and her Master’s degree in 2006. She has been teaching either the fifth or sixth grade for eight years in Centralia School District. Anna loves working with young learners and always enjoys her students’ delight in writing for the Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest. Her classes have participated in the contest for the past 6 years. Anna credits own mom for helping her become a teacher and discover the joys of teaching others to learn. "I feel one’s relationship with their mother is one of the most valuable and important aspects in life, and the Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest is a wonderful outlet for students to express their gratitude."

Mindy Steele

Marianne Stewart

LEXINGTON JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL, CYPRESS, CA Marianne has been teaching in Orange County for the past 11 years. There has been nothing in her life that has been as fulfilling as helping young people in their journey of discovery. Marianne began teaching at Drama at Pacific School of Music and the Arts in Costa Mesa. Marianne earned her BA in English from University of California, Irvine. Later, she returned to UCI to earn her Masters of Arts in Teaching. She is grateful everyday to share her passion for writing with her students. "I was moved to become a judge for the Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest as a tribute to the love I have shared with my own mother. My mother was also a teacher, and has always inspired me to make the world a better place, one day (and one student) at a time."

Laura Sutton

Hoa Tran

Mary Wilson

AVILA (DON JUAN), ALISO VIEJO, CA. Mary Wilson is a National Board Certified Teacher, Teacher of the Year, and a fellow of the UCI Writing Project. She has a Master’s Degree in Reading and currently teaches a 1st & 2nd grade combo class at Don Juan Avila Elementary School in Aliso Viejo, CA. Mary was a Year 2010 Diamond Contest Panel Judge! "I believe this is the greatest contest in the world because every Mom deserves to be honored by their children. The poems and essays in print are a treasure that last forever, just like the diamonds and jewels so generously awarded in this contest."

Rochelle Wolf

WOODCREST ELEMENTARY, FULLERTON, CA "I am a 5th grade teacher and have participated in the contest since 2008. I have a multiple subject teaching credential and a BA in Liberal Studies from Cal State Fullerton. The Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest is such a great opportunity for students from all walks of life to express their gratitude for their moms creatively. Nothing is more moving than listening to a student read their creations to their moms and seeing the moms' faces of gratitude and love."
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