PORTAGE | Maggie Wigsmoen is the best mom in the world. Her daughter, Alexis, says so.

She's not alone, though.

Third-graders in Connie King's class at Central Elementary School wrote essays extolling the virtues of their mothers, grandmothers or aunts in honor of Mother's Day. They read them during a special tea in honor of the women - all deemed the best in the world.

This was the third year for the tea. As the women arrived, their children escorted them to their seats at tables made by pushing the students' desks together. The makeshift tables were covered with pink or purple plastic tablecloths, with vases filled with flowers in the center. China cups and saucers and tiny teapots completed the table settings.

After King read a history of Mother's Day, the students took center stage. First, they read from poetry projects they recently completed. Then, they read essays about what makes that special woman in their lives so wonderful.

For many, baked goods seemed to be the ticket. Many of the students spoke fondly of their mothers' chocolate chip cookies or brownies.

After the essays, the students served refreshments. In lieu of tea, they served lemonade and sweet treats.

"I like it. It's really nice," Wigsmoen said as she sat with Alexis. "I didn't know what to expect, but this is really nice."

The students weren't the only ones to have special visitors for the Mother's Day Tea. King's son, Jeff, principal at Myers Elementary School, also stopped by.