2007 Dallas ISD "Father of the Year" Essay Contest

Hundreds of students across Dallas ISD participated in the 2007 Essay Contest defining “What my father means to me.” Each student had the opportunity to take their essay home and allow their father or father-figure read their tribute to his influence.

The Contest was held during the 2007 fall semester through the Language Arts department. Each teacher in the 4^th, 7^th, 10^th, and 11^th grades were able to participate. The elementary schools administrations were overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the contest and the essays poured in 4^th grade handwriting.

Free Market staff read the essays and picked the top five. Each student was presented with prizes in their classrooms. The finalists include:

•  Jordan Johnson, Adelle Turner Elementary (Winner)
• Marcelo Cox, Adelle Turner Elementary
• Ashlynn Goyne, Nathan Adams Elementary
• Ivan Williams, John J Pershing Elementary
• De' Ja Tutt, T.L. Marsalis Elementary

*For the essay contest winner, an assembly was called for the presentation of the awards. Adelle Turner Elementary was so excited to have Texas Dads/Free Market come that they prepared a program for the school. The program included reading of the essays by the students, a few words from their father’s, a teacher vocal solo, a student piano performance, a student choir performance, a student mistress of ceremonies, and a few words from the 4^th grade student council president.

Two schools tied for highest participation (100%) each receiving a pizza party for their enthusiasm:

• Robert E. Lee Elementary
• Lisbon Elementary