FRUITLAND PARK, Fla. – More than 170 fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers and male role models accompanied students to Fruitland Park Elementary School on Wednesday to celebrate Dads Take Your Child to School Day.
The turnout for the annual event was double last year's attendance principal Tammy Langley said.
Children and their male role models were given doughnuts and juice as the school’s chorus performed.
Wednesday's event was the second for some of the fathers, including Fred Miller, whose daughter is in the third grade.
“Why do you think this event is so important?” digital journalist Melodi Smith asked.
“I just try to be an example to my kids. I have four girls and I have to be the kind of guy that they need to be looking for. I just try to do my best and be that example in whatever they are involved in,” Miller said.
A sentiment that older brother to Justin Harrison echoed.
Harrison attended Wednesday's event with his third-grade sister because his father had to work.
“We had a great time this morning, kids dancing and everybody happy, supporting the kids. We had a good time supporting the kids today," Harrison said.
“This is about spending more time with your kids. It’s a blessing to be with the kids. I have a lot of fun and it was a great turnout this morning,” Chad Hawley said.
Hawley’s son had his father and his grandfather at the event.
“It is a good program, a good school and lots of kids, more than last year,” Nathaniel Hawley said.
The impact on each child who brought their father to school is immediately evident.
"When they come in, their faces are so elated and bright and proud they have their fathers with them. Sometimes it is not Dad, it may be their granddad, big brother, uncle or male figure coming into school with them. They are able to show off their school and show off some of the things they are doing here," Langley said.
Their vibrant and lively attitudes were made simple by donuts, juice and a role model.
The district hosted several other dads' events around the county, including Grassy Lake Elementary School and Umatilla Elementary School.
If you have photos from any of Wednesday's events, tweet @news6wkmg with the hashtag
#FLDadsatschoolday and #LCSDadsatschoolday.