Read these women's profiles and essays in today's special "Mom of the Year" section, inside this issue of The Honolulu Advertiser. Then go online to www.HawaiiMoms.com to choose the mother you believe is most deserving of this unique honor.

You'll be able to vote once a day from now until the contest ends at midnight on April 25.

All of the Moms of the Week we've featured are extraordinary, but we believe our finalists warrant special attention.

Some are well known in the community for their numerous contributions to charitable, civic and school groups. Others have gone through tough times but fought adversity with admirable strength. Others stepped up to the plate when their families needed them. And still others provide great support for fellow mothers. We believe these mothers particularly embody the spirit, resiliency, energy, resourcefulness and love required of moms today.

We hope you'll join us at the awards ceremony on May 4 at Ala Moana Center when the Mom of the Year will be announced.

At that time, we'll also be marking the first anniversary of www.HawaiiMoms.com, which was "born" on Mother's Day 2007. Along with entertainment, we'll be expressing thanks to the nearly 4,000 registered moms who make up the online 'ohana at www.HawaiiMoms.com. They call themselves the "Moms of Aloha," and they've created a vibrant virtual community we're awfully proud of.

Here are the 10 Mom of the Year finalists:

EULEEN BELL

Age: 45

Hawai'i Kai

Children's ages: 20, 18

In 2005, a rare malignant tumor was removed from her scalp. She fought cancer and now considers just being around for her sons a "privilege and honor."

THERESA ELLIS

Age: 36

Kalihi Valley

Children's ages: 13 (twins), 7, 3, 2

At Farrington High, she's regarded as an innovative science teacher and devoted student activities coordinator. She's also a mom of five, with children ranging in age from 2 to 13.

BENNETTE MISALUCHA EVANGELISTA

Age: 47

'Aiea

Children's ages: 21, 16

She raised two children, worked her way to a successful career in business and remains active with several community organizations. She also was named the 2007 Mother of the Year by the Hawaii Association of American Mothers.

BARBARA HANSON FORSYTH

Age: 33

Kaimuki

Children's ages: 2 and she's currently pregnant

Since moving to Hawai'i from New York City, this former antiques and arts specialist started a Stroller Strides franchise with a friend and has emerged as a leader and key networking source for many mothers in East O'ahu.

ELIZABETH HATA-WATANABE

Age: 36

West O'ahu

Child's age: 3

She owns a hip Honolulu night spot, but she keeps her focus on far more than the Island's club scene. As the owner of The O Lounge, this mom of a toddler uses her numerous connections and business savvy to help the community in a multitude of ways.

HERBERLENE KAHUMOKU

Age: 55

Kane'ohe

Children's ages: 32, 29, 17, 13, 12, 11, 7, 6, 2

She had already raised two children and survived breast cancer when she took on the ultimate challenge — becoming a mother all over again. She welcomed three young children into her home after her mother-in-law died of leukemia in 2004, leaving behind her two adopted sons and an adopted daughter.

JOSLYN CHAPMAN MCLAUGHLIN

Age: 58

Kailua

Children's ages: 37, 36, 32, 24, 22, and five grandchildren.

As the best-known of the grandmothers who participate in the www.HawaiiMoms.com discussion forums, McLaughlin, whose screen name is GRAMJ, is its unofficial matriarch, known for her warm heart, deep stories of wisdom and bubbly and self-deprecating sense of humor.

MAGALI SUNDERLAND

Age: 51

Lower 'Alewa Heights

Children's ages: 21, 14, 12, 11, 9, 9, 9, 7

She's an ex-litigator who started a nonprofit organization that serves special education Native Hawaiian youth in the foster care system. She's also mom to seven adopted children.

KATHLEEN SUZUKI

Age: 53

Wailuku, Maui

Children's ages: 27, 24

The mother of Oakland Athletics catcher Kurt Suzuki, she's always offered tremendous support to her two, now-grown children. She also maintained a demanding career as a laboratory scientist.

KRISTEEN YASUE

Age: 41

Hawai'i Kai

Children's ages: 7, 2, 5 months (age adjusted for prematurity)

Last year, she gave birth to her third child, a baby girl born early at 24 weeks — weighing only 1 pound, 4 ounces. Although her baby remained at the hospital for an agonizing 122 days, she never lost sight that her children are true blessings.