Student wins for essay on why his mom is the best

Fourteen-year-old Thomas*, a student at Potter Junior High School, says his mom, Diane Fulcher, is the best!

Thomas appears to have easily convinced judges of that because his essay was selected as one of the top three winning entries (out of more than 3,400) in the “50 Best Moms in San Diego” contest sponsored by Time Warner Cable and other businesses.

He won the middle school division top prize of a Sony laptop computer, other gifts and engraved awards, which were presented to him at a special luncheon event May 10 at the La Jolla Hyatt Aventine.

“My mom is different because she has great determination to help others,” Thomas said in a personal interview. “She’s dependable and you can trust her.”

While Fulcher is not Thomas’ biological mother, you’d never know by the distinct gleam of pride in her eyes and easy rapport she shares with him.

“When I read his essay, I was really touched,” Fulcher said. “We have fun talking and doing things together. He always makes me laugh.”

In his essay, Thomas wrote, “Sometimes I think about all she does for me and wonder how I can pay such an amazing woman back. I feel that I owe her my greatest love over and over again… She is my hero… She will always be my real mom in my eyes.”

While Fulcher has lived in Fallbrook since 1976, Thomas is enjoying his third year in the community, as Fulcher’s son and as a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of North County, where Fulcher works as a bookkeeper.

“I love this town,” Thomas said. “I can walk to the store and through neighborhoods that are safe.”

Thomas went on to explain that the Boys & Girls Club, under the direction of CEO Abe Oliveras, has “given him opportunities” by helping him in some of his favorite pursuits: music (he is making an album), dancing (hip hop) and writing.

He also recently participated in the Club’s talent show and plays soccer and basketball through the organization.

*Last name withheld for privacy reasons.