During weekend celebrations, a hardworking single mother and her passionately loyal daughter were chosen as West Texas A&M University’s Family of the Year.
Isabella Van Stavern, a freshman animal biology major from Canyon, and her mother, Ashley Bell, an interior designer at Officewise in Amarillo, were honored at a special luncheon during WT Family Weekend, which took place Oct. 27 to 29.
“What stood out in Isabella’s nomination was the love and appreciation she had for Ashley as a single mother and her understanding of the struggles that come with being a single mother,” said Amanda Lawson, senior director of orientation and academic success for WT. “Isabella also wrote convincingly about how supportive and encouraging her mom has been about her attending WT.”
During pre-game activities prior to WT’s final home game of the season, the two were also acknowledged as honorary captains.
This year, WT students submitted 42 nominations, according to Lawson.
“It’s an unbelievable honor as a mom to have your firstborn baby girl honor you like this,” Bell said. “It’s pretty special.”
“Express your love as much as possible for the people who you love,” Van Stavern said. “This is one way I’m doing that for my mom.”
In her nomination, Van Stavern said Bell is “my biggest supporter, my motivation, my best friend.”
“This woman has been through so much in her life, and I am so amazed every day that she is my mother,” Van Stavern wrote. “The way she has pulled herself out of the dark over and over again is incredible. She has been a single mother for a good time now and as much as it is a struggle, she makes it look effortless.
“I love her from the bottom of my heart, and she is my motivation to keep going every day,” the nomination letter continued. “She has showed me that no matter what, you can get through it.”
Countdown to Kickoff Block Party tailgating events before WT’s game versus Angelo State University in Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium were also part of the Family Weekend activities.
Families that registered could also get free entrance to the Virgil Henson Activities Center, the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, and Palo Duro Canyon State Park. During the weekend, Canyon businesses also provided exceptional specials.
Francisco and Sara Trejo of Gruver were the 2022 winners. Since 2017, honors for Family of the Year have been granted. A committee of staff members selects the winners.