WINNER
Afredo Gomez
06140
By Carolyn Gomez, 13
"My mom died about a year ago and ever since, my dad has meant the world to us. He cares for us and always is there for us. In "us" I mean my three sisters. We all look up to him, not only as a father but a great hero."
WINNER
James Joyce
By Kacey Joyce, 6
"My dad is my hero. He takes good care of me. If I get hurt, he helps me. My dad's the best, he always plays with me. He loves to read books with me too! I love him and he loves me. He is the best dad around. He is cool."
David Taveras
By Stephanie Rivera, 12
"I call my dad a hero because, from the very first time I met him, I knew my mom picked the right one. You see, my dad is really my step-dad to my sister and I. He is one of the best people in the world. Although he is not my real dad, he treats us as if we were his own."
Richard Goodman
By Debbie Goodman
"My dad is the best dad that ever existed! Daddy always believes in me and always inspires me to go for my dreams. Daddy has always been there to cheer me on and make me feel special! He deserves to win because of everything he's given me in my life!!!"
Steve Brady
By Michael Brady, 10
"My dad's a hero because he teaches me everything I know. He shows me right from wrong. He gives me confedence to play my sports, and to reach my goals. My dad makes me feel better when I feel hurt. That's why my dad is my hero."
James Gropper
By Elizabeth Gropper, 2 1/2 (written by mom, Christina)
"My husband James Gropper is the most loving and deicated father I know. He spends most of his free time exploring, teaching and playing with our two-year-old. He has given himself entirely to being the best role model/Daddy and friend he can. He is one of a kind man, and I'm very proud to call him the father of my daughter. The absolute best dad ever!"
Taj D'Amico
By Sea D'Amico, 3
"I love him. I kiss him a lot. I hug him. He hugs me a lot. He makes my bed. He loves me. I love him and he loves me, too."
Rick Martin
By Ashley Martin, 6
"My dad is my hero because he loves me and my sister. When he sees us he always smiles."
Michael Cavalieri
By Kim Marie Cavalier-Ryan
"My dad to me is the most caring, sharing, heroic man I know. He has been my idle since as long as I can remember. He has always been there for me and my family. The most special day of my life was my wedding day, when I danced with my dad. We danced to "On the Day That You Were Born, the angels got together," by the Carpenters (he sang that to me when I was little). I was waiting a long time for that dance and I will always keep that memory special in my heart. I love you dad, you are the best!"
Gerald Kielkowoki
By Angela Kielkowoki, 13
"My father Jerry is special to me because he is my hero, he is always there for me. He is a great fisherman. I look up to him. When I am in trouble he us there for me to get me out! He loves me, my brother and mom!! That is why my dad is special."
Phil Cabasino
By Megan, 8
"My dad is my hero. He is special because he helps me with my homework. My dad throws me up in the air, he cuddles up with me, he reds me a story, he skiis with me, he takes us to the movies, he throws me in the water at the beach. My dad is special."
Gary Shakerdge
By Joyce Goldsmith, 47
"I nominate my cousin Gary Shakerdge as father of ideas, feelings and knowledge. Gary has severe cerebral palsy. He shares his thoguhts on the web using a typing device attached to his head, one letter at a time. Due to a car accident, he is not able to write, currently."
Ken McLaughlin
By Samantha McLaughlin
"My dad is special because he always has time to play with me, even though he works very hard. My dad takes us skiing, camping and on trips. He coaches my softball team and helps me to be a better player. My dad makes everything we do together fun!"
Marty Reidy
By Meghan Reidy, 8
"My dad is a hero to me because if it weren't for him I wouldn't have a wodnerful life. He cares for me every day. He does all he can to make me and my family happy. He goes to work every day and is a successful person, and he always tells me right from wrong. I'm glad he's my dad."
