Momina from France
Over 50 Au Pairs came to the Kentlands Community Center in Gaithersburg, MD on Friday night May 5th to be “Guests of Honor” for an Awards Dessert Party to celebrate THEM.
Claudia from Spain
Victoria says: “This is, by far, one of THE best Cluster activities of the year. We all get so close. Other Au Pairs listen and applaud each other’s accomplishments. I’m so proud.”
After an hour of mingling, making friends and just relaxing together, the formalities began.
Andrea, from Costa Rica, is almost at the end of her year…and is going to miss her Host Family so much
Melisha from South Africa “Most Stylish Au Pair” laughs with Franzi from Germany and Elise from France.
Each Au Pair was called up one by one to receive her award, designated by her Host Family, specifying an area in which she excels.
The ceremony included presentation of a printed certificate as well as a lovely red rose and a quick, souvenir-pose with Senior Community Counselor, Victoria Paton.
Victoria has been the Counselor for Potomac, Bethesda, Cabin John and Glen Echo full-time for more than 17 (amazing!) years… Serving 65 Host Families and their Au Pairs annually.
Awards included “Best Lullaby Singer”, “Most Thoughtful”, “Best Listener and Cheerer”, “Most Willing to Help All the Time”, “Best Math Tutor”, even “Best Penguin Whisperer”…clearly an inside joke with Host Family and Au Pair!
Mariana from Mexico cares for 5 children…like a family member.
Cara from South Africa finishing her 2nd year.
Kerstin from Germany
Awards continued for each of over 50 Au Pairs: “Best Big Sister”, “Best Treasure Hunt Maker”, “Best Polish Pancake Maker”, “Most Stylish Au Pair”, “Best at Being Positive About Everything”, and “Best Baby Smile Maker.”
The award explanations were touching:
Nadine from Germany
“When I am home I can hear my little boy giggle and laugh with her…she treats my son as her own and loves him with an open-heart.”
or
“This has been a difficult year with a grandpa’s illness but our Au pair remembers every piece of baseball equipment and sits through karate practices and cheers on our kids. We love her!”
Some were most heart-felt and brought tears to all…
Nam from Thailand
Robin is doing her 2nd round as an Au Pair having been an Au Pair 2 years ago and is now back with a new family
“Every night at bedtime, our family sings an old, irish lullaby passed down from grandma. It’s always hard for Spanish speakers but our Au Pair has learned it well and sings it with gusto!”
“We, Host Parents, think our Au Pair is a great, calming presence in our home. She is great with the kids, engages them openly. She is reliable and unflappable.”
At the end of our evening, each Au Pair selected a red balloon and wrote on the paper attached her wish or dream for the coming year. Then we all went outdoors and let them fly into the evening sky. There was a light breeze so all but one made it past the trees and on to points beyond. For many Au Pairs, they had never done such a thing.
And finally, each Au Pair went home with a goodie bag of fun items…and a warm feeling in her heart.
And, least we forget, the GROUP PHOTO…what fun trying to get us all into the width of a lens!
Oh, what a night!
