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Father's Day Essay Contest 2009
Thanks to all the great kids (and the dad's who inspired them!) who entered our first Father's Day Essay Contest. The essay theme was “What My Dad has Taught Me.” Three winners (one from grades 1 through 3, one from grades 4 through 7, and one from grades 8 through 12) will be selected. Prizes are provided by The Adventure Aquarium, Garden State Discovery Museum, Ritz Theatre, Bassetts Ice Cream, Camden Riversharks and The Pop Shop.
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What My Dad Has Taught Me
My dad has taught me a lot of new things. He taught me how to play MLB on his Playstation 3. He taught me new ways to do math. I practice math on my chalkboard with my dad. He showed me how important it is to slow down when I’m writing so it’s not sloppy. He taught me how to play football and how to take care of my little sister! He taught me how to tell time! He taught me a lot of things! My dad graduated from college on June 7th. Seeing him graduate made me think that he is very special. Even though my dad still went to work and school he still spent a lot of time playing with me. My dad is the BEST dad in the world to me!
Samantha Kilson
Grade 1
Glenolden, PA
| What My Father Has Taught Me
My father has taught me how to catch, build, and a lot of stuff. That’s what dad’s are for! They are great! It’s really fun to have dads. You get to learn stuff from them. When I play catch with my dad, I feel happy and he feels happy. He taught me how to play baseball and how to be a first baseman. I like watching my dad play softball and after his games sometimes we play on the field. Dad taught me how to build a Pinewood Derby car. Even though I didn’t win, I still have my dad and we’ll try again next year. He’s taught me math facts on the way to school every morning. We talk about a lot of things about how to be a good person. Dad taught me about surfing and that you need a big wave to surf. We play poker together and he taught me when to bet. I’ve learned how to be a good daddy and to organize stuff. I love my dad and I want to be just like him! I don’t even care if I’m bald.
Paul Maienza
Grade 1
Collingswood
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"What My Dad Has Taught Me"...
My dad taught me meny things. like swiming and fishing and haw to read and haw to fead my cats and dogs haw to go on the campuoter too. haw to us chopsticks and to swing on the swing and haw to pant. He makes me laugh too. most of all I love my dad. Thats the gratest lessin of all!
Kira DiBruno
Grade: 2
Pitman
MY DADDY
My Dad taught me a lot of things. One thing he taught me how to read and write. It is fun. He has taught me how to ride bike, how to ice skate and how to bowl.
When we go camping he taught me how to fish, how to shoot a BB gun, and how to canoe.
He has also taught me how to fold blankets and how much whip cream to put on my cake.
I love my Dad very much.
The End
Hannah Quay
First Grade
Sewell, NJ
| My Dad is The best Dad in The World!
One thing my Dad Taught Me was treat people the way you want to be treated. He taught us never to give our dog chocolate and never eat anything that fell on the floor. He taught us not to say bad things when we should be good and nice to people. He taught us not to yell at people even if they do something wrong. We should always be kind to people and that's what he taught us.
He gets us ready for school every morning. He taught us how to brush our teeth well and makes us breakfast every morning. He taught us to be patient if we are waiting for something and he gives us ideas of fun things to do while we are waiting. He listens to us when we have something to tell him and he has been teaching us to say I love you since we were babies. He reads to us and he tells us to sound out a word when we don't know what it is and that really helps us. Another thing he taught Me is pay attention in school and most important never be mean to your Mom.
Catie Foody
2nd grade
Pitman
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What My Dad Has Taught Me
My dad has taught me lots of awesome stuff. My dad has shown me to be a good cook. We make things like pancakes and bacon. I like to tease him and say they're not as good as at the Pop Shop!! He laughs!!!
My dad also taught me to read chapter books and fun books. He sometimes tells me adventures like about Odysseus and other books like The Power of One. Odysseus is about a man who fought in a war and didn't come back to home for 20 years. It was 10 years to get there and 10 years back. In Power of One, there is a boy who learns to fight. He learns to box from a man that died. They are both really good stories.
He really taught me a lot but the the thing he taught me best is to wrestle. Wrestling is one the best things that he's good at. We have fun and get exercise.
My dad teaches me much things and he is the BEST!
Vaughn C.
1st grade
Garfield Elementary School.
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My Dad
My dad has taught me math, religion, and spelling. He always teaches me to be nice to my brothers and sisters. He teaches me how to catch a ball and swing a bat. He teaches me how to catch and throw a football. He always wants me to be positive and behave. I think my dad is big. He is great because he always has time for all of us, even though there are 8 kids. I love my dad.
P.S. My little brother and sisters want to say the same thing about our dad because he really is great!!! Plus they're too young to enter and type.
Bridget McCormick
1st grade
Haddonfield
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WINNER
Daddy
Daddy,
You've taught me many, MANY, MANY things and here's to thank you for it: You made a movie with
us, that taught us lots of things, like how to handle a camera, writing scripts, but, most of all using our imagination.
Learning math doesn't sound like much, it only sounds like boring stuff. But YOU don't make it boring, you make it so MUCH FUN ! Computer programming sounds a little hard, but I got used to it, it's not that hard once you give it a try, and Scratch is so much fun!
You had to leave with the Navy for nine long months- halfway across the WORLD from us and we learned to stand strong when times are hard. You read to us since we were two and a love of books we've learned. And don't forget JUST PLAYING, the most important of all. The one important thing we've learned from that is how to have FUN! So that is what you've taught me and Happy Father's day!
Abagael Riley
Haddon Twp.
Grade 2
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WINNER
What My Dad Has Taught Me
My dad has taught me so many things. He taught me how to catch a ball, swing a bat, and throw a football. He's been my flag football coach for the past 5 years. But he's not only my coach, he coaches my brother and sister, too. He's never too busy to coach us even though he could be home cutting the grass, or playing with my sisters and brothers, and guess what, there's 7 of them! He has taught me many more life lessons that are probably more important that the sports ones because I may get too old to swing a bat, but, I'll never be too old to say please and thank you as well as believing in myself and always being confident.
He reassures us that it's ok to make mistakes, but you have to learn from them. He even lets us mess up and doesn't punish us because he thinks we learned something valuable. He is always cutting out famous quotes and sayings and taping them to the wall so we can read them everyday. Things like "believe in yourself" and "grace under pressure" and "be positive". He believes in me and I know he will always be there for me even if my friends are not. He says "your friends may not always be there, but your family will." He's never too busy to give a me a hug and a kiss. I can never learn enough from my dad.
Jack McCormick
4th grade
Haddonfield NJ
| What My Dad Has Taught Me
My dad is the best. He is constantly teaching me stuff. He is my personal teacher for everything. (Except for school) All about technology, math, and more! Let me share about him teaching me the crazy amount of stuff he is teaching.
The first thing I want to talk about is technology. I always love sitting on his lap and looking at new technology! For transferring documents he taught me how to up load documents on to a memory stick (hard drive) and then save the document on another computer! He taught me also how to make word and power point documents to put on a memory stick. Another thing he taught me was about i-pods and even bought me one! He taught how to use i-pods and applications you can buy for i-pods. The last thing he taught me about technology is about computers. He taught me how to check the server on a computer, how to make many different kinds of documents. Now that’s cool.
The next thing my dad teaches me about is math. My dad is always helping me with math homework. (If I have trouble with it) He tells me about math short -cuts and tricks. Finally he taught me how to multiply fractions. I wanted to get head in school so I asked him to teach me. Thanks dad!
He teaches me about things in the world. Like softball. Or how to work a camera. But the best thing he taught me is how to be a kid!!!!!!!!!
That is what my dad taught me. Has your dad taught you anything?
Becky Hollenberg
Grade 4
Cherry Hill, NJ
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What My Dad Has Taught Me!
The things that my dad has taught me really pay off. Those are the things that have given me the courage to climb the ladder to where I am now. One thing that my dad has taught me is how to behave. At school, there are lots of conflicts, so my dad tells me how to deal with them. Another thing my dad has taught me is how to do things. Since I missed the cutoff date, I am in fourth grade, not fifth. He gives me work to do that is a fifth grade level, and sometimes I just don’t get some things. He teaches me those things and I listen. Also, he has taught me how to swim. Since I have an in ground pool in my backyard, I don’t go to swim clubs and learn from counselors there. My dad is my private teacher.
My dad has taught me how to remember things. He tells me to keep practicing things if I don’t get them. For instance, there was a time when I couldn’t remember what a radius was, so he kept telling me to study. Turns out, he was right! I was able to my work easily then. The answer is practice!!!!!!!
As I’ve told you before, the things that my dad teaches me really pay off. But that’s not all they do. They also teach me life lessons I will never forget. I really hope that my dad will never stop teaching me things everyday. A dad who teaches you things every day is definitely the best dad you can ask for.
Megha Chadha
4th Grade
Cherry Hill
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What My Dad Has Taught Me
What has my dad taught me? It would be much easier to tell you what he hasn't taught me! The only reason I am the kid I am today is because of him. Here are only a few of the hundreds of things he has taught me.
Sports wise, I play baseball, flag football, and basketball. In baseball, I just finished an error less season and I dramatically improved my hitting. He's always talking to me and teaching me how to be better and confident which he says can only come from within. He takes up his time to make me a better player bother physically and more importantly, mentally. He has taught my flag football team for 5 years even though he could be busy helping my mom with my 7 brothers and sisters.
Even though he wants me to succeed physically, more importantly, he wants me to be even more successful mentally. He taught me to be nice to everyone even if I don't like them. I also have to have manners all the time wherever I am. He has taught me to use my God-given talents to my advantage. He has also taught these same morals to my other brothers and sisters. Even though I am one of 8, I never feel neglected or less loved than anyone else, even my friends who have only one or two siblings. I am extremely grateful for what my dad has taught me and I love him.
Griffin McCormick
6th grade
Haddonfield nj
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My Great Dad
Hey, Do you have a dad that has taught you fun and important lessons through your life?, Well, I do and his name Robert, but I call him daddy.I am going to tell you how great my dad is and why I admire him so much.
It all started at the age of three. At these years of my life it was like paradise. My dad and I would always giggle while he threw me up in the air catching me and tossing me. I have to admit though back then I was a little trouble maker, but the good part was that my dad would never yell at me he might've put me in time-out, but he would always keep me company by talking to me or making me laugh. Now this was the good life.
At age five I had a great big birthday party with all my family members. sat on my daddy's lap with him squeezing me with his tight but very lovable arms. laughed as my dad tickled me
until it was time for me to blow out my candles. Everybody sang "Happy Birthday"."Congrats" my dad said as he handed me a big present. It was the little cooking set that I had been begging
for and it was finally mine. I hugged him and a grin had spread over his face.
Next, at age seven my dad had promised me that he would teach me how to ride a two-wheeler. I saw my dad coming up the stairs with my new bike. My heart was pounding with fear but at the same time it was pounding with joy. He stood the bike up so I could get right on. My legs stretched over the seat. Then, my dad ran with the bike and then let go.I was riding the bike!I ran to my daddy with a grin stretching over my face. He was so proud of me!(I could tell).
Also at age eight my dad and I would always play baseball out in the yard. When I pitched the ball to my dad he would always hit a homer but when my dad pitched the ball to me I always get a strikeout "I stink at baseball! "I whined to my dad. When my daddy heard that he had a confused look on his face. He kneeled down to my size and said "Ky'Oanna, if you weren't a good baseball player you wouldn't have been able to catch that fastball I threw at you, that means you're a good catcher, or if you weren't a good baseball player I wouldn't have been able to hit all the base balls you threw to me, that means you're a good pitcher, all you need to do is work on your batting, just choke up on the bat a little, backup, and step forward when you swing." When my dad said that I said I was ready to play again. And as usual my dad was right because I hit the baseball! Also I got a homer. Wow!!!!!
Now I am ten years old, I'm a great baseball player, I can ride a two-wheeler, and all the other stuff my dad has taught me. Don't you think that my dad is great?! I could never ask for a better one if you ask me! I love my dad and I can't wait to see what other surprises come up in life with him!
THE END!!!!
Ky'Oanna Lee
Grade, 4
Collingswood
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"What My Dad has Taught Me."
My dad taught me to do many things. He helped me learn to ride a two wheeler. He never gave up on helping me even when it kept on falling on top of him. He helped me when our family went camping .He taught me how to fish. He helped me not to be scared when I was afraid of bears. He taught me to be patient with everything I do and to not be quick tempered. He finds time to fix little things like toys and decorations, even when he is busy taking classes. He has taught me many things in my life but I will always remember that he taught me to be happy no matter where you are.
Sarah Quay
Grade 4
Sewell, NJ
Daddy & Me
Me and Daddy,
Daddy and me,
Daddy's taught me lots of things:
Daddy taught me basic things,
like reading, math, and science.
Daddy taught me complex things,
like programming and construction.
Daddy taught me how to read
by reading out loud to me.
He read me books like Curious George, and
The Cat in the Hat, and Madeline.
Daddy taught me math
by showing me some charts.
He compared a penny
to the entire universe!
Daddy taught me science
by showing me a show.
Cosmos it was called,
it taught me about the planets.
Daddy taught me programming
by finding a cool game.
We could make up movies
by typing up commands!
Daddy taught me construction
by building a robot
We programmed it AND built it,
so that's two lessons in one!
Me and Daddy,
Daddy and me,
I love him,
and
He loves me!
Darby Riley
Haddon Twp.
Grade 5
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My Dads
Some people say, “my dad is great” or “oh, my dad is the best.” Yeah well I get to say, “my dads are great” and “my dads are the best.” I can say that because I have two dads. I have my biological dad and I also have a step dad. Most people say when your parents split up it’s horrible. Yeah well, not really. It brought a whole new fantastic person into my life, so rather then feeling sorry for me you should be feeling envious of me because instead of only two parents there to care for me, I have three and I love them all equally.
My biological dad is pretty awesome, he is one of those dads you can hang around and not be embarrassed. Even though he has wisdom on his side being 68 years old he is young at heart. Get this, we went out somewhere and I was looking for parts for his car. He came up to me with two neon sticks for the bottom of his “95” Buick and says, “how about these.” I said, “dad come on this is an auto shop not pimp my ride.” Which is exactly one of the reasons I’m grateful for my step father because when it’s time to buckle down and get serious he’s there to help, like when I’m up typing a school paper at 2am, he’s there beside me. See, so that’s why I’m lucky to have “My Dads,” and I love them both exactly how they are and wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world.
Zack Pelle
Grade 8
Mickleton, NJ
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My dad is one of the most important people in my family. Without him I don’t know how my life would be. He always teaches me how to be a mature and responsible young man. My Dad teaches me how to react in situations when I’m being picked on or teased. He is always there for me when I needed help.
Whenever I have a test or quiz coming up, he helps me when my mom is not available. Thanks to him my grade in science is going up pretty fast.
One of the things he does with me is to help me learn how to play football the right way. I am little better at football than I use to be. Right now he is trying to get me prepared to play on the JV football team. He knows and shows me how to do all of the exercises that can get me in shape when I’m out on that field. He told me he used to go through the same exact things in football when he was my age. Even though I’m not the best at football, he still loves me and I know I mean a lot to him. Thanks to my Dad I’m almost ready for the JV team.
Another thing he does is pays me an allowance every week for taking out the trash. In addition, when I do good yard work (without any help) I get paid double my allowance.
Robert Farmer
8th grade
Swedesboro
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My Incredible, Loving Dad
I needed him and I always will; he taught me right from wrong and helped me when I was ill. Yes, he is my dad, and I am very glad. My dad has taught me many important life skills from riding my bike to teaching me right from wrong.
My dad held me when I cried even though he was the reason I was crying. I liked my mom more, but I didn’t know any better because I was just a baby. Now, I have him wrapped around my finger, and I am daddy’s little princess. He was always there even when I didn’t want him to be.
When I was little, my dad picked me up when I would fall and taught me how to play sports. He comforted me when my grand mom passed away, and he encouraged me to do well and attempt to succeed in everything I try, including sports and school. He taught me to be polite and have good manners. He told me to always say, “Pease and thank you,” keep my elbows in while I am cutting food, and put my napkin on my lap while I am eating.
As you can see, my dad has taught me many important life skills. He loves and cares for me every day and teaches me things I could never describe with words. He helped me as a young girl, and now he is the best dad in the whole, wide world.
Christy Pentz
8th grade
Mickleton
| What my dad has taught me
My parents are the most important thing to me in this world. I mean there’re the ones who brought me here. When I get hurt, I usually run to my mom because she is gentle and caring. MY dad is different though. He teaches me to be strong and figure things out for myself. If I were left in the wild, I would probably hear my father’s voice telling me to hang on or to be strong. My dad is one of the people I look up to. He is strong and independent. When I’m out on the field, I know my dad is screaming his head off on the sidelines. Having my mom at my games is fine, but at least my dad knows what’s going on in the game. My dad has taught me the majority of what I know. I love my dad so much, and he is the reason I am the person I am today.
Valerie Mesoraca
8th grade
Woolwich Twp.
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What My Father Has Taught Me
Only about 7 years ago I met the man that would soon change my life. His name is Don and he has been there for me every step of the way. He has taught me to always be the better person, even in the worst of situations. Don is my step father and without him as my father figure god only knows where I would be right now. He has taught me not only to learn from my mistakes but to live off them, to make them change my life. He may be very strict at times, but without any direction in life I will never be able to succeed my goals. The structured life that I live now would not exist without the help of Don.
Rose Yago
8th grade
Kingsway Middle School
Swedesboro NJ
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What My Dad Has Taught Me
First and foremost, my dad has taught me the value of work and responsibility. From
the time that my dad was only ten years old, he began selling programs at his grandfather’s racetrack in Waukegan, Illinois, for 35 cents each. Everyone in dad’s family worked at the racetrack each summer. My dad was the first member of his family to earn a four year college degree. He graduated in just three years with high honors. While in college, he earned his money by working in the computer lab and on weekends, at McClure’s Garage, in Gurnee, Illinois.
Secondly, my dad has taught me the courage to tell the truth and to stand up for
myself. He stresses that it is crucial to always tell the truth because it makes you a better person. From the time I was in preschool, I went home every day and told my dad all about my day. I told him when things went my way and the days when things did not. He praised me for sharing all my thoughts and not keeping them inside.
Lastly, my dad taught me to see the world in color and not in black and white. He taught me to avoid stereotypes. Most importantly, he continues to teach me to make positive contributions in my community and in the world, as a whole. Since he is my dad, his teaching days are far from over. I have a lot to learn.
Lauren Geist
grade 8
South Harrison Twp
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Dad of the Year
My Dad would be the perfect man for “Dad of the Year”. My Dad is tremendous. My Dad is an all-around type person; he is good with children, adults, teenagers, food, sports, field work, repair work, and many other occupations. He is the ideal role model for any child. He takes pride in what he does, and he is very hard-working. I love my Dad, and he cares about me, my brothers, and my sister all equally. He educated me in many things, and he still will because he is a great teacher. He taught me how to play baseball, basketball, how to work out problems in Algebra, and many more valuable lessons. My Dad never gives up, and makes sure that I don’t either. My Dad is the kind of person you want to have as your best friend. He is always there to listen, give advice, lend a helping hand, to help you out of grief, and many more spectacular things. My Dad is good with cars. He usually can fix them by himself, which saves our family money while we are in this economic depression. He also is good with field work. Our family is very healthy; we like to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. He is a great farmer, and that gives us more produce so we can grow to be stronger individuals. My Dad is my hero.
Tom Owen
8th grade
Clarksboro, NJ
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