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Every day should be a celebration for people who have contributed to society. It should be a time to recognize women like Eliza Cooper and Toni ''Brooke'' Fitzgerald; mothers who made it their mission to let parents know they have a voice in their children's education. Cooper and Fitzgerald have been honored and recognized as Parent Leaders who are role models for their families and communities. Both are Parent Leaders for the National Parent Leadership Team of Parents Anonymous Inc., an organization that focuses on strengthening families and preventing child abuse.

The family-strengthening organization, honored Cooper in Arlington, Virginia, in February, National Parent Leadership Month.

''I was honored to be chosen, as well as surprised," said Cooper.

Married for 20 years and a mother of four children, Cooper understands the importance of a parent's involvement in a child's life and education. Cooper is member and co-chair of the National Parent Leadership Team of Parents Anonymous, Inc. She participates in all Team activities and strives to make a difference in the lives of families.

"It is important for parents to know that their voices are heard and that they do make a difference. Parent participation on every level of decision-making processes will help to strengthen families and ensure safe and healthy homes for children,'' said Cooper.

Cooper's mission to enlighten parents came when she joined and helped recruit parents for a Parents Anonymous group that was formed at her children's charter school.

Before moving to Baltimore, Cooper worked with DC Parents for School Choice.

Cooper, who has been married for 20 years, also belongs to various parent leadership organizations from the Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO), which works with the Department of Education promoting No Child Left Behind to co-founder of the Washington, D.C. Chapter of Mocha Moms, a support group for at-home mothers of color.

"Community is so important. We need to support one another on every level. As parents, we can make that difference to our community. We can express our concerns and needs,'' said Cooper.

Like Cooper, Brooke Fitzgerald has a passion for children' s education and she understands the educational needs of parents.

Fitzgerald is the first Maryland parent to be awarded the Jolly K award. The award is given by Parents Anonymous Inc. in recognition of Parent Leaders who exemplify courage, tenacity and strong leadership at home and in their own community.

The award named after Parents Anonymous founder Jolly K, a mother in California during the late 70s to early 80s, who died several years ago. The award has been given for 10 years.

"It was an honor and a wonderful experience because it came at a time where I was really gong through a lot. You know as a parent you don't always get rewarded as a parent. Your reward is that your kids are safe and you know where they are. You don't get pats on the back for being a parent,'' said Fitzgerald.

In 2002, when she and her husband separated they had six children together; when he left she was left raising five children. She was also a full time student, studying to become a sign language interpreter. Fitzgerald said that she was having a hard time adjusting to the role of being a single parent. She and her children had problems with communication.

Either I was screaming at them or I was always angry. I didn't really know how to deal with what I was going through. I was just saying things to my kids out of anger and it all just came to a head one day. I had to go back to my daughter and apologize,'' she explained.

She found out about The Family Tree, Maryland's chapter of Parents Anonymous, Inc., through church, read the information and found a stress line.

Now Brooke goes to the PA meetings and she is a parent leader on the parent leadership team, which she joined after being with the Family Tree for a couple of years

''The program is very helpful. It is a place I can come to and bring my kids as well. That is one of the big reasons I stay, that and I get good parenting advice. My kids love coming because they go into a community room with the other children. They have activities and snacks, she said.

Brooke has learned many things from the program and speaks at various events to educate other parents on the importance of the program and how it has helped her.

''I try to encourage others-family and friends-to come,'' explained Fitzgerald, ''Because when you get to the point where you are at your wits end and you don't know what to do and you have the ability to pick up the phone and get help that is really a great thing. Parents cannot thrive without support. We need each other.''