Ten-year-old Daemon Hanley's six-page essay about his mother Mrs. Mildred Hill won the hearts of the judges and the 250 people gathered at the Belmont Hotel's Gallery Room yesterday.

Described as a mom who "says what she means and means what she says,'' Hanley's letter beat out the other 300 entrants in the 25th annual Bermuda Continental Society's Mother of the Year luncheon.

Surrounded by friends and relatives including her two daughters Pati-Ann and Terrylyn, Mrs. Hill received a bouquet of flowers, several gift certificates and a diamond watch.

For writing the winning letter Daemon, a student at Purvis Primary, was given a plaque which will be displayed at his school for one year, a dictionary and a watch as well as a number of gift certificates.

Mrs. Hill and her husband Albert, took Daemon into their home when he was just four and a half months old after his mother died.

Mr. Hill died in 1989 and was the only father that Daemon ever knew.

She said she was awe struck after finding out that her son had written the winning letter.

"I'm in complete awe,'' she said. "I'm responsible for what he will become in life.

"Being a mother is a wonderful experience and I take it very seriously,'' she continued. She said that once her niece died there was never a second thought about taking young Daemon in because she had two daughters already and the idea of having a son who was "already made'' was an added blessing.

Mrs. Hill, who was a bookkeeper at the law firm of Browne and Wade for 28 years before retiring in 1988, advised young mothers to learn to be patient with their children and show them lots of love.

While patience and love were paramount, she said young mothers should not forget the value of stern discipline when necessary.

"Daemon is a very responsible little boy,'' she added. "I hope that he continues to be studious like he is now.

"But more than that, my wish for Daemon is that he will grow up to be a productive and respectful citizen.'' Young Daemon said he was happy that his mother won because she was loving and kind.

"I want to thank the judges for choosing my nanna,'' he said. "And I hope that she can live long enough to see me through school until I finish my education.

"She's been my mom and my dad since they both passed away.''