WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., this week honored Sara and Nic Pendleton and Thomas Dent as honorees for the 2026 “Angels in Adoption” award. Senator Wicker nominated the Pendletons while Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., nominated Mr. Dent. This recognition honors years of foster parent service and dedicated advocacy for underprivileged children.
“Sara, Nic, and Thomas represent the best of Mississippi. They have selflessly devoted their lives to providing loving and nurturing environments for children in need of a home. These honorees have unquestionably changed many lives for the better. It is the least we can do to recognize them for this outstanding work,” said Senator Wicker.
Sara and Nic Pendleton, of Biloxi, Mississippi, have opened their homes to more than 25 Mississippi children in foster care. The Pendletons have oriented their home to children with health challenges, providing these children with outstanding medical care and emotional stability. The couple has raised one biological child and adopted five more. Outside of their parental work, the Pendletons are also fierce advocates for the needs of fellow caregivers and of children in vulnerable situations, particularly those with special needs.
Thomas Dent, of Ridgeland, Mississippi, has spent years supporting Mississippi children who need care in both professional and personal settings. For over five years, Mr. Dent worked in the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services as the Director of Faith-Based and Volunteer Services and as Foster Parent Liaison. He is also an adoptive father and a former foster parent. For Mr. Dent, his commitment to supporting others is driven by his deeply rooted Christian faith.
The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, which sponsors the “Angels in Adoption” program, is a nonprofit organization that works to raise awareness about the needs of children without families and to remove policy barriers that hinder children from knowing the love and support a family provides.
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