2021 Essay Contest In 24 years, our flagship program has collected nearly half-a-million essays from Illinois schoolkids! http://www.4dads.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/21-IFI-Essay-Promo.mp4 Learn More 2020 Essay Winners Kindergarten – Emily L, Columbia Explorers 2nd Grade – Emilia D, Arbury Hills School 3rd Grade – Lanie M, St. Mary’s Pontiac 4th Grade – Dominic V, Bridgeport Catholic Academy 6th Grade – Rogelio R, Columbia Explorers 7th Grade – Maria G, Rachel Carson 7th Grade – Taiwo S, Colin Powell Middle School 8th Grade – Herlinda D, Columbia Explorers 9th Grade – Jack T, De La Salle 10th Grade – Dempsey Y, Mundelein HS 10th Grade – Talia B, De La Salle 11th Grade – Ahriel P, De La Salle 2020 Father Honorees Maurice Baker, Father of the Year Luis Daza, Father Figure of the Year Craig Dedic, Father of the Year Jorge Cruz, Father Figure of the Year Carlos Horta, Grandfather of the Year Ryan McGuckin, Father of the Year Ronald Pringle, Father of the Year Rogelio Rivera, Sr., Father of the Year Sotayo Sowemimo, Father of the Year Dan Tepper, Father of the Year James Vittori, Father of the Year Chuck Cranford, Father Figure of the Year Reader's Workshop Congratulations to all 2700 Essayists!!!Our 300+ Volunteers read every single essay at least twice and have made selections. Your Dad's Story! 130 Semi-finalists plus their Dads will be treated to a Chicago Fire Football Club Clinic… fingers crossed! 12 Finalists will attend our Annual Fatherhood Dinner Celebration! Calling All School-Aged Illinoisans! To participate, IL school kids write on the topic‘What My Father Means to Me’ to honor the special men in their lives. Submit an Essay! The next contest starts in January 2021. IL Fatherhood Initiative "Engaging Fathers in the Lives of Their Children" Get Involved Now!Donate Today! FollowFollow