Three Horry County moms got an early Mother's Day surprise on Monday, thanks to an essay submitted by their children who are students at area schools.

Winners of the 'My Magnificent Mom' essay contest were chosen from Forestbrook Middle School, Ocean Bay Elementary and Waccamaw Elementary. The Brandon Agency worked with Medieval Times to coordinate the contest in Horry County.

Karen Smith, her 4th grade son Kamal Geathers, and more than one hundred of his fellow classmates gathered on the playground at Ocean Bay Elementary School in Myrtle Beach, where Medieval Times Knights, the Chick-Fil-A Cow and Sonic The Tater Tot surprised them with more than $1,000 in gifts.

"I'm so surprised! I'm very proud of him! I was really shocked that he won and I'm looking forward to going to Medieval Times with my baby," Karen Smith said.

Kamal wrote in his essay about how his mom "is the best mom in the world because she always cares for any kind of person." He also wrote "She took care of kids in need and homeless people. She'll give them food and money to help. It might not be much, but it's the thought that counts."

Karen and Kamal received two prize packages that include gifts from The X Gym and Health Club, Tanger Outlets, Chick-Fil-A, Sonic, NASCAR Speed Park and a free tournament at Medieval Times.

Eighth grade Forestbrook Middle School student Victoria Schimmel and 2nd grade Waccamaw Elementary School student Abbigal Rogers were also chosen as winners.