Utah Senate pauses to honor 2007 'Mother of the Year' and 'Mother of Young Children'

The Utah State Senate recessed into a committee of the whole to honor two women recognized by American Mothers Incorporated, presenting Carol Stevens as the 2007 Utah Mother of the Year and Shelley (Shelly) Locke as the 2007 Utah Mother of Young Children. Senators Jenkins and Knudson presented certificates and the reading clerk read a formal citation describing each woman's community and family service.

The citation traced Carol Stevens’ background in Ogden, noted her family and church involvement, and introduced her as a mother of six and grandmother. It described Shelly Locke’s background and long service with American Mothers, and referenced her professional credentials in social work and early childhood development. Both honorees received warm floor recognition from senators and brief opportunities to speak. Carol Stevens thanked the chamber for the honor, calling the experience “a little overwhelming,” and Shelly Locke urged lawmakers to continue work that supports families and safeguards children.

The presentations were ceremonial; no legislative action was taken as part of the resolution reading. The Senate returned from the committee of the whole after the presentations and resumed its regular calendar.

The honors were read into the record by the chamber’s reading clerk and the certificates were delivered by the senators representing the honorees’ districts. The recognition cited American Mothers Incorporated Utah Association’s long‑standing program and the honorees’ representation of family values in the state.