Like ripples on the shore, made of waves.
Washing away worries while adding memories.
Her love is singing like sweet, sweet melodies.
~ Jason Ross ~
Gallery of Diamonds awards diamond in 30th annual
Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® writing contest
Gallery of Diamonds awarded Orange County student, Jason Ross, with a quarter-carat diamond valued at $600 to give to his mother in the 30th annual Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest on May 6. Beginning in 1993 in honor of founder Diamond Mike Watson’s adoptive mother and the birth mother he had never known, this year’s contest inspired thousands of kids to write words of appreciation for their mothers.
After the ceremony, which was covered by local CBS and KCAL9 NEWS, all attendees participated in the 5th annual Umbrella March around the brook to honor all moms in the world.
The 2022 Diamond Winner:
Like ripples on the shore, made of waves.
Washing away worries while adding memories.
Her love is singing like sweet, sweet melodies.
~ Jason Ross ~
Grade 6, St. John’s Episcopal
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Diamond Mom: Valerie Bracken
Diamond Teacher: Beth Sarachman
Diamond Judge: Valarie Ruig
The Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest:
• Allows kids to express their appreciation for their mothers
• Teaches them to become powerful writers
• Prepares them for a lifetime of success by building self-esteem
The Story of Why Mom Deserves a Diamond®
Founder Diamond Mike Watson was adopted as a child. Although he loved his adoptive parents, he was curious to know of his birth mother. After searching for twenty years he found his roots. Unfortunately, his birth mother had died and he never did meet her. He always felt loved, however, and understood the courage needed for any mother to relinquish her child to another.
In 1993, Watson wanted to give kids the chance to show their appreciation for their own moms through a writing assignment. The author who penned the best essay would receive a diamond to give to his or her mother.
The contest would instill a moral to appreciate one’s own mother, and all those who are significant in our lives.
Note from founder, Diamond Mike Watson.
When I was 30 my wife, Carmen, and I dreamed of owning 30 jewelry stores. We still own only one store which we have managed for 30 years.
All good things come in time. 30 years ago we didn’t dream the first diamond we awarded in the Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest would encourage nearly one-half million kids to grab their pencils and ponder why their moms are special. Dozens of young authors have been awarded diamonds to give to their mothers and tens of thousands more have earned amethysts or garnets.
Being an adoptee who searched most of my life for biological origins, the contest has helped me more fully understand the importance of those whom we love and love us.
Although not every submission is declared a winner, pondering the positive aspects of others is good for ourselves and our society. The whole world benefits. It is a contest in which everyone who participates is a winner. I know this, for I have saved the winning poems of over one hundred thousand kids who have sent their letters of love. The profound learning experience is that positive words are timeless. They eternally touch our hearts.
Through June, hundreds of other first- and second-prize winners will come to receive amethyst and garnet prizes to give to their mothers.
A family might buy the biggest diamond we can lift from our safe, or they may buy nothing. That doesn’t matter. The real value of life is something we can’t see or touch. The real value of life are the memories of love that eternally float in our mind.
I think 30 will be a lucky number. In memory of my adoptive mother, Martha, who instilled in me the true definition of love and success.
-Diamond Mike Watson, founder.
Santa Ana, CA 92705
714-549-2000