“My dad has been a single parent of my sister and I for the past 10 years. He fought for us and was granted legal custody when I was four years old.

My father is not only a great father, he is everything exceeding it. When I was ten years old, I had gotten really mad at my dad and I was about to walk out on my father, but that is when he told me the whole story. When I was born, my dad and mom were not getting along very well. My mom didn’t tell my dad about her being rushed to the hospital because she was in labor. My father got a call from a friend of his telling him that my mother was in labor. When my father arrived at the hospital, he found out that my mother didn’t want to keep me living anymore so she decided that I wasn’t worth keeping. That is when my dad stepped in and convinced her that I was worth keeping.

Now my father and I have a special bond, not like other kids and their fathers; we are together because of him. That is what keeps me happy at times is knowing that I am standing on this earth because of my father and that is why I love him so much.

My dad is both dad and mom to me. He’s there when I need the male guidance…or playing catch, or football in the backyard. And yet, he’s there when I need moral guidance and love or a shoulder to cry on. He can be strict and also tender.

My father is my mentor, my advisor and most of all, my best friend. I think he deserves everything he wants in life.”

John Darcy was just as surprised as Sean when he heard the news of the essay results.

“Sean has always been a good student,” said John. “He has made the honor roll. He normally has his homework done by the time I get home from work. I enjoy attending school activities he is involved in. He is right. We spend time together playing catch or fishing. We just enjoy each other’s company.”