'Father of the Year' To Ride in Brandon's 4th of July Parade

This year's Father of the Year, Christopher Coleman, will ride in the Greater Brandon Fourth of July Parade. Coleman's daughter, Christina, was one of three place-winners in the annual contest determined by student essays and organized by the Community Roundtable.

Second place went to Sarah Grace Kennedy, who wrote about her dad, Vincent. Third place went to Lauren Rothenbush, who wrote about her dad, Dan.

• Tampa Bay Times contributor Kevin Brady interviewed the winning dads for, Brandon's Father of the Year Honorees Provide Inspiration.

Contest organizer Janine Nickerson, vice president of the Community Roundtable, submitted the following details about the contest winners, along with excerpts from their winning essays.

FIRST PLACE

• Kid — Christina Coleman, fifth grade, FishHawk Creek Elementary School
• Parents — Christopher and Maranda Coleman
• Excerpt: "My dad is heroic because he goes to Haiti and helps those who go to bed hungry. He also helps people living on the streets that ask for help. He gives them a bed to sleep in and food to eat. My dad always puts others before himself."

SECOND PLACE

• Kid — Sarah Grace Kennedy, fourth grade, Bevis Elementary School
• Parents — Vincent and Mary Katherine Kennedy
• Excerpt — "My daddy’s my hero! He’s the most caring man in the world. He has stage 4 colon cancer, but he still puts others before himself. He was the Relay For Life Honorary Chairperson. He also raises money to fight Cancer. My dad is brave and an inspiration to our family!"

THIRD PLACE

• Kid — Lauren Rothenbush, fourth grade, Symmes Elementary School
• Parents — Dan and Anna Rothenbush
• Excerpt — "My dad is a hero to me because a few years ago, he had to have open heart surgery. Since he has gotten better, he has become a triathelete. He can run, bike, and swim. Now he’s teaching me to become one, too. He is actually very special to me."