25th annual ifi fall fatherhood celebration
join us in person for our silver anniversary as we celebrate Essay Contest Finalists and Their Dads, Honorary Fathers of the Year, Ricky Byrdsong Award Winners, School Coordinators and IFI Volunteers. Register now
Calling All School-Aged Illinoisans!
To participate, IL school kids write on the topic:
‘What My Father or an Important Father-Figure Means to Me’
The next contest starts in January 2023.
A look at 2022
ESSAY WINNERS
Pre/K– Diego T Michel, Richard Edwards
1st Grade – Holland Tissiere, St. Mary’s
2nd Grade – Daniel Cote, Richard Edwards
3rd Grade – Jennifer Sanchez, Rachel Carson
4th Grade – Malaysia Ford, Richard Edwards
5th Grade – Elena Gallegos, Columbia Explorers
6th Grade – Zoe Pacheco, Rachel Carson
7th Grade – Melanie Machen, Rachel Edwards
8th Grade – Alejandra Madrigal, Rachel Carson
9th Grade – Juhthaniel Lebron, De La Salle Institute
10th Grade – Justin Harrison, De La Salle Institute
11th Grade – Sofia Podszus, De La Salle Institute
12th Grade – Kirstan Richardson, De La Salle Institute
FATHER HONOREES
Juan Michel, Father of the Year
Joe Tissiere, Father of the Year
Gerardo D Cote, Father of the Year
Francisco Sanchez, Father of the Year
Arturo Cortina, Stepfather of the Year
Emiliano Gallegos, Father of the Year
Fermin Pacheco, Father of the Year
Gustavo Guardado, Stepfather of the Year
Manuel Madrigal, Father of the Year
Miguel Lebron, Father of the Year
Juan Dozier, Stepfather of the Year
Matthew Podszus, Father of the Year
Anthony Richardson, Father of the Year
Congratulations to all 2700 Essayists!!!
Our 300+ Volunteers read every single essay at least twice and have made selections.
