Students Celebrate Father's Day with Annual Essay Contest

As part of the annual Father of the Year Essay Contest, students from across the county were asked to answer the prompt, “What My Father Means to Me,” ahead of Father’s Day weekend.

The essay contest, now in its 21st year, celebrates the significant role fathers and father figures play in a child’s life. The contest encourages students to reflect on their relationships and articulate the love, support and inspiration their paternal figures provide.

This year’s contest received dozens of essays from young writers throughout the county. After careful consideration, seven finalists stood out for their writing quality and moving narratives. Essays were also selected based on creativity, thoughtfulness and personal connection.

Essay finalists were recognized at the Celebration of Fatherhood event, hosted by All Dads Matter, at Applegate Park in Merced. From June 13 through Father’s Day, the finalist's essays will be shared MCOE's social media channels.

The 2023 Father of the Year Essay winners:

First Place 
William Margain, 1st Grade, Ada Givens Elementary School
Natalee Chow, 4th Grade, Luther Burbank Elementary School
Grayson McParland, 5th Grade, Pioneer Elementary School
Jasmine Alberto, 6th Grade, California Virtual Academies
Anushka Elwin, 7th Grade, Herbert Hoover Middle School

Second Place 
Christian Ramirez, 5th Grade, Chenoweth Elementary School

Third Place 
Sarah Cromar, 5th Grade, Fremont Elementary School

The Merced County Father of the Year Essay Contest encourages students in grades TK-12 to reflect on and write about their experiences with a father or father figure who have helped shape their lives. Students can write about a father, stepfather, other family member, teacher or even a coach.

Explore more student events on the Student Events page.