Tom and Judy Arnold - Parents of the Decade

Tom and Judy exemplified an ideal Superstar Parent. They were at every performance, parade, fund raiser, every event supporting not only their Superstar but the whole team. They truly cared about each and every Superstar and their families. Allison, their granddaughter/daughter, became a member of the Superstars when she was seven and still is involved with the Superstars at age 22. Tom provided the truck and was the driver for every parade for fifteen years in a row. When his sight got so he felt he shouldn't be the driver then Doug Reed took over but Tom was the "navigator" until his death. He loved the children and enjoyed watching them perform. Whatever Tom could help with he was willing to try. Judy was quieter and stayed in the background more but loved helping. She and Allison spent hours making two banners with homemade flowers on them for the parades. We used those banners for at least five years.

Judy loved to bake and always provided homemade goodies for bake sales because she wanted to give something to the Superstars. Tom loved to help and everywhere I look in the School I see something he helped build. He took as much pride in my accomplishments as a proud parent. Tom worked for Downing Construction as a foreman and was always helping me. He knew my dream was to have a School with high ceilings and he helped draw up several plans and tried to help get the funding etc. for a School. When the dream became a reality, he was there cheering me on and telling me, "You done good kid, I'm so proud of you." I never could have succeeded without his support and encouragement telling me I could do it. Tom and Judy became second parents to me and when my parents died they stepped in and kept me going. Judy died in 2001 and Tom two short years later in 2003. I cherish their friendship, support and love they gave me and the whole Superstars family.

Jan Stivers - Norwalk Superstars director.