Photo by Eric Keith / St. Joseph News-Press

Felipe Barrera, a Bode Middle School student, was one of four runners-up, out of 278 eighth-grader entries, in the essay contest. Felipe’s father, Juan Berrera, is a truck driver for Triumph Foods.

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Juan Barrera wants his son’s life to shine brighter than his own. His son, Felipe Barrera, strives to meet that goal.

Zach Hill considers his father, Rich Hill, his friend — a fun friend who teaches him right from wrong.

Felipe and Zach, both Bode Elementary School students, placed in the National Center for Fathering’s “What My Father Means to Me” essay contest.

The students competed in the Kansas City region division. Out of 278 eighth-grade entries, Felipe was one of four runners-up. From 229 seventh-grade entries, Zach took first place.

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Felipe & Juan

Juan grew up Central America’s Nicaragua. He moved to the United States for work and a better life.

He and his wife had Felipe in California, and the family moved to St. Joseph a couple of years ago when Juan took a truck driving job with the Triumph Foods pork-processing plant.

Felipe says his dad wants him to get good grades, stay out of trouble, go to college, have a nice house and a good job.

“He just wants me to have the things that he didn’t have as a kid,” Felipe said.

Felipe’s dad is good to him, he said, so he wants to make him happy. And his dad knows what is best for him. His dad is smart about the world, he said.

In his essay, he wrote, “My father is the best dad for me. He takes me to a lot of places and plays with me. He tells me things that I shouldn’t do and to act smart. He is also a very hard-working man, and I love him. I would do anything for him.”

Felipe knows he’s fortunate.

He wrote, “He’s always there for me. I am so lucky to have him because some kids don’t have fathers and wish they did. Others have fathers, but they don’t pay attention to their kids. This is why I appreciate my dad.”

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Zach & Rich

Zach wrote, “My favorite trait about my dad is that he is like one of my friends. He is always there for me when I need encouragement or assistance, and we can talk about anything. He knows what is up-to-date with my friends, and he has never embarrassed me (that I can recall anyway).”

Rich is a local insurance agent.

Photo by Eric Keith / St. Joseph News-Press

Bode Middle School student Zach Hill earned first place out of 229 seventh-grade entries in the Kansas City region division of an essay contest called ‘What My Father Means to Me.’ Zach’s dad, Rich Hill, is an insurance agent.

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“My dad is working often to support our family, and he always makes his decisions for the family’s better. He tries to make lots of memories for our family by going on vacations and to Mizzou football games,” Zach wrote.

Sometimes, Rich doesn’t agree with what Zach does or who he hangs out with, Zach said. So Zach changes his ways.

“I don’t like to admit it, but I know he’s right,” Zach said. “If I take the time to observe his opinion and outlook, I realize he’s right.”

Zach ended his essay, “My father means an assortment of things to me, such as caring, wisdom and friendship. And for that, I love him.”

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Others from region place in essay contest

Three other Northwest Missouri students placed in the competition.

Justin Grubb from Mid-Buchanan Elementary School in Faucett, Mo., was a sixth-grade runner-up.

Maximillian Steinke from Jefferson Elementary School in Conception Junction, Mo., was a fifth-grade runner-up.

Garrett Meyer from Jefferson High School in Conception Junction, Mo., placed first in ninth grade.

Student winners, their families and school administrators received tickets to the June 1 Kansas City Royals game, where the Father of the Year will be announced. Winners also will be recognized during a June 10 event at the Kansas City Public Library.

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Nancy Hull can be reached at nancyhull@npgco.com.