Houston, TX. (December 18, 2006) - Over 1900 students across the southeast Houston area participated in the 2006 Chick-fil-A Dads Becoming Heroes Essay Contest. Geared for students, grades 1 - 12, the contest was designed to:

-   Improve writing skills and stimulate a child's thinking about his/her
    father, stepfather, grandfather, or father figure, and the nurturing role
    he plays; and,
-   Raise the awareness level of the importance of fathers in our
    communities and focus public attention on what makes a real hero.
Feedback from teachers and volunteer judges verify that the contest met its objectives.

Essay excerpts:
My dad means so much to me. I am blessed that my father lives in the same house with me. My dad represents what all fathers should be like. I would like for all fathers to stand up and be responsible for their children.
                                            - 1st grade level
He comes to all the games and is my personal cheerleader. When I am in the 4th grade, we are going to join a football team, if my dad can convince my mom - he is working on that.
                                            - 4th grade level
Even though he is fun, he's also one of the strictest men on earth. Everything he does is for my safety or well-being. It can be extremely frustrating sometimes, but I know that he is just trying to keep me away from his type of childhood.
                                            - 7th grade level