Mother’s Day isn’t just a date on the calendar, it’s a memory vault, a time of love, and a time to appreciate the quiet ways moms shape who we become. At Spectrum High School, students opened up about what their moms mean to them, sharing stories full of humor, heart, and gratitude.
For many, the strongest memories aren’t the loud ones, they’re the simple traditions that built connection.
“Some of my favorite memories with my mom,” said senior Sarah Smith,
“are when I was still doing competition dance. We’d wake up super early so she could do my hair and makeup. Then we’d blast music in the car on the way to competitions. That’s one of my core memories.”
Sophomore Simon Ruzek shared a more quiet ritual:
“When my mom and I go grocery shopping, we’ll drive around before or after and just listen to music. Sometimes it’s stuff only she likes, sometimes only I like. It’s our thing.”
Senior Ashley Kollie remembers museum-hopping summers in D.C.:
“We’d take the train and try to tackle all the museums, because they were free. That was our tradition.”
Mothers often give the most in moments no one else sees. Students reflected on the quiet sacrifices they’ve come to appreciate.
“She prays for me a lot,” said Kollie.
“Even though she’s a nurse, she’s always looking out for me, trying to network on my behalf.”
Sometimes moms show love by pushing us to grow, even when it’s uncomfortable.
“My mom basically forced me to try out for volleyball,” Smith said. “She came into my room, threw a volleyball at me, and said, ‘You’re going to go try out.’ That moment changed my whole high school experience. Now I’m involved in so many things because she pushed me out of my comfort zone.”
When asked what the word “mom” means, students didn’t hold back.
“Mom means nurture, guidance, sacrifice,” said Kollie.
“Caregiver and strength,” said Smith.
“She’s the strongest woman I know.”
Each student lit up when describing what makes their mother stand out.
“She’s really good at sewing,” said Kollie.
“Painting,” Ruzek said. “Even without practice, everything she paints is amazing.”
“She’s the spreadsheet queen,” said Smith.
“She manages our entire family schedule. Everything’s color-coded.”
As students reflected on how they show appreciation, they admitted it’s not always easy to say thank you.
“She deserves more than one day,” said Smith.
“Moms do so much behind the scenes.”
For junior Gabriel Kelly, even sitting down to talk with his mom means the world.
This Mother’s Day, students across Spectrum will celebrate the women who shaped them. Whether through words, quiet actions, or thoughtful gifts, they’re finding ways to say something simple, and deeply powerful:
Thank you, Mom.