Editor's note: The following is a press release issued by Plainfield School District.
Clyde Troche knows the value of a devoted father ? of having someone to look up to, who will help direct a child down the right path in life.
In fact, the Plainfield East High School sophomore was so grateful for the support he gets from his own father, Claudio Troche that he wrote an essay for the Illinois Fatherhood Initiative?s 2012 ?What My Father Means to Me? essay contest.
Now, Troche is one of 12 winners statewide -- three each for Father, Stepfather, Grandfather and Father Figure ? out of more than 18,000 submissions received from about 170 schools. District 202 students submitted more than 1,000 essays this year.?
The 12 winners and their fathers and father figures will be invited to attend the IFI?s 2012 Fatherhood Celebration June 14, 2012 at the Union League Club of Chicago. They will also get tickets to a Chicago White Sox game, among other prizes.?
Later this summer, one winner from each category will be chosen to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at the Aug. 4 White Sox game.
The IFI was founded in 1997 as the first statewide not-for-profit fatherhood organization in the country. Its mission is to connect children and fathers by promoting responsible fathering and helping equip men to become better fathers or father-figures.?
Coincidentally, Clyde wants to play for the White Sox some day, and said his father?s encouragement helps him work all the harder to reach his goal.
?He (tells) me, ?Remember, don?t let people tell you that you can?t do something, you can do anything as long as you have to set your mind to it,?? Clyde wrote in his essay. ?When he tells me these things, it feels like I can make the impossible, possible.?
Clyde wrote that his father has sometimes had to correct him when he wanted to quit playing or practicing some sport. ?Now, I am grateful for him not allowing me to quit because he helped make me the athlete I am today,? Clyde wrote.
?I could never ask for more out of my dad because every day he does the best he can to put food on the table for our family, to have a roof over our heads, and most importantly he gives us the love that someone would always want from a dad,? Clyde wrote.
?I appreciate all he does for me because many kids would love to have a dad like I do.?
Claudio Troche said he was honored to read his son?s essay and know how he feels.
?I take pride and pleasure in being a role model?for my kids and it brings a tear to my eye to know that I mean a lot to my kids and am someone that Clyde looks up to,? Claudio said.
Visit?www.4fathers.org?for more information about the Illinois Fatherhood Initiative.
weather st louis faceoff kings island red hot chili peppers tour orange juice photos doomsday clock
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.