June 22, 2018 -- Fairfax fifth graders Henry Hunziker and Ben Hegyes were two of the five winners of this year's Essays Celebrating Dads event, hosted by the Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative.  

 

The winners were recognized at an award ceremony during the 14th Annual Fatherhood Initiative Conference on June 15, held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cleveland. Each student read their essay, which spoke highly of their fathers and how much they mean to them. 

 

"They are so proud of their fathers and what they do and how they influence their lives and care for them. Both Henry and Ben spoke very clearly and slowly so all could hear and understand their important message about their fathers. The boys' essays were received with enthusiastic and appreciative applause from the audience," explained Lisa Hunziker, Henry's mother. "After the luncheon was over, many of the guests came up to the boys and told them what a great job they did and that they loved their essay and how proud they were of them."

 

After each one read his essay, the father was called up, and the award was handed out by Al Grimes, Director of the Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative. 

Both Henry and Ben were at Fairfax Elementary in Miss Cencic's fifth grade class when they wrote the essays. Miss Cencic submitted them for the boys. 

 

"She is an awesome teacher and encourages her kids to write all the time," said Lisa.

 

The Essays Celebrating Dads Event is an opportunity for Cuyahoga County youth in grades kindergarten through 8 and is designed to recognize the importance of responsible fathers in our county.