Long Island high school student-athletes pen letters to their moms for Mother's Day
Jimmy Gaston Jr. and his mother, Tawanda Gaston, pose for a portrait at their home in Islandia on Wednesday. Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Each Mother's Day, Newsday invites Long Island high school student-athletes to honor their mothers with personal letters. The individual scripts vary, but overall, they reveal stories of love, respect and appreciation.
To: Tawanda Gaston
From: Jimmy Gaston Jr., Central Islip football
Dear Mom,
If I had to choose one person who has always been in my corner no matter what, it would be you. Nothing in this world can truly express how much I love you or how grateful I am for everything you’ve done. Throughout all the sports I’ve played, you’re the one I always hear cheering the loudest, keeping me motivated every step of the way. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today to play college football.
Between the meals you make for me before my games and the way you always make sure my body is at its best, you’ve done so much to keep me ready and strong. The prayers you send before my games mean so much to me and make me feel protected every time I step onto the field. The time, effort and sacrifices you’ve made for me are incredible. From the camps you’ve taken me to, to the long drives and money spent, you’ve never once made it feel like a burden.
You’ve always been the person I can count on when times get tough. When I was battling injuries and at my lowest, you pushed me to still show up, support my team and be the leader I needed to be.
You’ve always been my number one supporter and I could never ask for anyone better. A mother like you deserves the whole world, and I always want you to know that you helped shape me into the person I am today. I love you to infinity and beyond.
Happy Mother’s Day, Mom.
Love, Jimmy
Christina Zhao and her mother, Emily Zhang pose for a portrait on Wednesday at Half Hollow Hills East High School. Credit: Dawn McCormick
To: Emily Zhang
From: Christina Zhao, Half Hollow Hills East girls tennis
Dear Mom,
Happy Mother’s Day!
I just wanted to thank you for everything you’ve done for me over the years and for always supporting me in everything I do.
I know how busy you are all the time, which is why I appreciate even more how much time and effort you put into driving me to practices, lessons and tournaments. No matter how hectic your schedule is, you always make sure I get where I need to be. I know that takes a lot of sacrifice and it’s something I’ll always be grateful for.
Thank you for always encouraging me to work hard and keep going even during times when I felt stressed or discouraged. Tennis has been such a big part of my life and I wouldn’t have had all of these opportunities without your support behind the scenes.
I appreciate everything you do for me and our family every single day. You’ve taught me the importance of dedication, perseverance and always doing my best. I’m so lucky to have you as my mom.
Thank you for always believing in me.
I love you so much.
Love, Christina
Raena Alvarez, left, and her son Jaden Alvarez during a baseball game at The Stony Brook school on Tuesday. Credit: Morgan Campbell
To: Raena Alvarez
From: Jaden Alvarez, Holy Trinity baseball
Dear Mom,
I wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I appreciate everything you've done for me. Your love, guidance and support have shaped me into the person I am today.
The endless lessons and love you give push me to become a better person, both on and off the field. You teach me to be positive and push through, even when times are rough. I'll always remember those days you spent cheering me on at my baseball games. Your support from the sidelines means the world to me, and I can’t wait to see you cheering me on in college.
Thank you for always being there, through thick and thin. Your strength and kindness inspire me every day. I hope today is filled with joy and relaxation for you.
Happy Mother's Day! I love you, Mom.
Love always, Jaden
Samantha Polonia, left, and her daughter Alyssa Polonia, 17, from Baldwin at Baldwin High School on Wednesday. Credit: Morgan Campbell
To: Samantha Polonia
From: Alyssa Polonia, Baldwin girls basketball
Dear Mom,
You always go above and beyond for me, and your love for me truly shows what it means to be a mother. There aren’t enough words to describe how much you mean to me. You always find a way to put me before yourself in everything that you do.
You have always believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself and always pushed me to be the best version of myself. You are the reason I carry confidence, strength and ambition in everything I do. You are someone I can talk to about anything and will always support me and guide me through my hardships. You always make everything behind the scenes happen.
I am beyond blessed and grateful to have a mother like you that shows me unconditional love always. I love you always, mom!
Love, Alyssa
Corey Faines and his mother Paulette McArthur pose for a portrait outside their home in Bay Shore on Wednesday. Credit: Dawn McCormick
To: Paulette McArthur
From: Corey Faines, Bay Shore boys basketball
Dear Mom,
It doesn't go unnoticed how much you influence not only me but everyone who gets the pleasure to be introduced to you. You’ve always put everyone else first and made sure my siblings and I were fed, healthy and safe. Not only do you spread your selfless affection for others, but you also light up any room you step in.
When I would have doubts about my high school basketball future, you would always give me the confidence to push even harder, telling me that I have to finish what I've started and encouraging me to be the leader I am today.
Without you, none of the blessings coming to us right now would be possible. Sometimes I may get on your nerves, but I know that nothing can break our bond because it is unconditional. There are probably days when you feel overwhelmed and stressed, but never once have you shown that side to us because you are such a strong soul and don’t want us to see that side of you.
Mom, I can’t express the utmost love and respect I have for you. There are days you cry about all the accomplishments I’ve achieved so far in my life, but in reality, you are seeing the effect of raising your kids in the best way a mother could.
I Love You. Happy Mother’s Day!!
Love, Corey
Claire Sclafani and her mother, Susan Sclafani, pose for a portrait on Wednesday at Longwood High School. Credit: Kelvin Loarca
To: Susan Sclafani
From: Claire Sclafani, Longwood flag football
Dear Mom,
Thank you for everything.
The long hours spent driving me to and from practices or tournaments. The constant supply of cleats or mouth guards after I eventually work them into the ground or chew through them. And most of all, the voice of reason in my ear when my emotions get the best of me.
You’ve shaped me not only into the athlete I am, but also the type of person I am. Each part of my character is modeled off of you, even the social awkwardness, and I could not be more grateful for it.
So, next time I look up to the corner of the stands I’ll whisper a thank you because you are the one that got me onto the field, and the one that kept me there when it got tough. Thank you for everything. I love you, mom.
Love, Claire
Esteban Loaiza and his mother Paula Calderon pose for a portrait on Wednesday at Brentwood High School. Credit: Dawn McCormick
To: Paula Calderon
From: Esteban Loaiza, Brentwood boys soccer
Dear Mom,
To sum up everything you’ve done for me would take days. From the moment I was born, you’ve always been there for me, whether I knew it or not. I look up to your strength, courage, and most of all, your perseverance.
You’ve always made things happen for my siblings and I, even when the conditions weren’t in your favor. From working late nights to helping me go to tournaments and sometimes sacrificing your meals so we could go to sleep without an empty stomach, it just speaks volumes to the type of woman you are.
The life lessons and advice you give me is something I will never forget: “Never take no for an answer” and “Be a leader, not a follower.” All of these lessons and sacrifices fuel me to become not only a better athlete, but a better man as well.
I love you and have a Happy Mother’s Day.
Love, Esteban
Diego Argueta and his mother, Ruth Argueta, pose for a portrait at their home in Brentwood on Wednesday. Credit: Kelvin Loarca
To: Ruth Argueta
From: Diego Argueta, Brentwood boys soccer
Dear Ma,
I just wanted to say thank you for everything you do for me. I know I don’t always say it or show it enough, but I really appreciate you. You have always been my biggest supporter, and that means more to me than anything.
Thank you for putting up with me, supporting me, checking on me and always wanting the best for me. I’ll always cherish your hugs after games and how they feel the same no matter if I win or lose, or play good or bad. Your love is unconditional.
You do way more than people probably notice, and I see it. I’m lucky to have a mom like you.
Love you, Ma. Happy Mother’s Day.
Love, Diego
Brooke Simmons of Glen Cove and her mom, Maria, before a softball game on Monday in Glen Cove. Credit: Dawn McCormick
To: Maria Simmons
From: Brooke Simmons, Glen Cove softball
Dear Mom,
Happy Mother's Day to the woman who means everything to me. Thank you for being my rock through everything. You do so much for me every day, and I don't think I say thank you enough. From learning the game of softball so you could support me better to driving hours for my pitching lessons, you have always shown up for me.
Those long drives, early mornings, late nights and all the sacrifices you make never go unnoticed. What means the most to me is how you support me through everything. Whether I do amazing things or make mistakes, whether I win or struggle, you are always there cheering me on and believing in me. Knowing I have you in my corner gives me so much strength and confidence.
You are the kind of mom who puts everyone else first and still gives endless love and support. No matter what I need, you are always there without hesitation. I don't know where I would be without you. Thank you for believing in me, encouraging me and loving me through it all. I am so lucky to have a mom like you.
I hope you know how appreciated and loved you truly are — not just today, but every single day. I love you more than words can explain.
Happy Mother's Day.
Love, Brooke
Half Hollow Hills West senior Ethan Saintjean, 17, and his mother Gina Day at their home in Dix Hills on Wednesday. Credit: Morgan Campbell
To: Gina Day
From: Ethan Saintjean, Half Hollow Hills West boys basketball
Dear Mom,
Thank you for everything you have done for me.
Whether it has been helping me get dressed as a baby, helping me complete school projects I left for the last minute, bringing me to my early morning and late night training and games and even just spending time together, you have made my life exponentially better in every aspect. I know that there are countless more things that I could thank you for and that there are even more sacrifices you have made for me that I probably have no idea about.
Having you in my life has been a blessing. I have a mentor, a role model and someone who is very caring and generous all in one person and I get to be around you every day. Again, I thank you for everything you have done for me as an athlete and as a person and I hope that I continue to make you proud through my actions on and off the field.
Love, Ethan
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