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NEDERLAND — Jennifer Holyfield wears many hats and now has a crown to go with them as Nederland Mother of the Year.

Holyfield received the honor Wednesday from the Nederland Chamber of Commerce.

“Very blessed,” Holyfield said. “It feels absolutely wonderful. This is such an honor. I’m very shocked. I’m very excited and grateful.”

Daughter Caly Holyfield said she felt this was a way to recognize her mother for all of her hard work and let her feel special because she doesn’t get thanked every day for what she does.

The Mother of the Year has been a volunteer for the Nederland Heritage Festival; works for the Nederland Independent School District, where she is an assistant to the superintendent; is involved in Aggie Moms Club; is involved in PTA through all of her kids’ years of school and helped with her children’s sports tournaments.

“No matter how busy she is, she never hesitates to stop what she’s doing to put us first,” Caly Holyfield said.

Diana LaBorde, president/CEO of the Nederland Chamber, said the decision is always difficult but with this particular nominee, it was evident she was the one.

“Nominated by her daughter, son and other family members and friends, it was obvious that Jenny possesses a wonderful trait,” LaBorde said. “She cares about all children, not just her own. She is very active in our schools and in our community. She has a busy job at NISD, attends many school activities that her kids are involved in, takes care of her home and still manages to help other families who need it.”

Jennifer Holyfield added she had no idea nominations for Mother of the Year were ongoing.

“It was definitely a surprise,” she said.

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, a reception in Holyfield’s honor will be held at a later date.

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Editor I.C. Murrell contributed to this article.