2 local toddlers among those competing in nationwide toddler of the year contest
Two Butler County toddlers are in the running to be Toddler of the Year, a nationwide contest raising money to benefit Toys for Tots.
The single winner of the contest will take home $25,000, star in a national advertising campaign, lead the Hollywood Christmas Parade and go on a trip to a Peppa Pig theme park. People can pay to vote for their favorite toddler or vote once for free per day at toddleroftheyear.org.
Gabriel Manilla, 3, of Prospect, is outgoing, friendly and always eager to make new friends. He loves learning new things, said his mother, Hannah Manilla. Gabe is one of the most caring and empathetic kids you’ll ever meet — a big teddy bear whom his sister loves. Gabe’s family works very hard to make the best life for him and his little sister and are fortunate enough to be able to provide him with many opportunities to learn and grow outside of school.
MarQuan Pippens, 3, of Butler, is described as a lively, adventurous and kindhearted boy who loves stomping around like a dinosaur, flying through the air like a superhero, and playing football and baseball outside, according to his mother, Britt Kroll.
MarQuan lives for adventure. He is a little daredevil who loves water, riding his dirt bike, reading books and coloring with his big imagination. He loves making everyone around him smile and is an all-around American boy.
