Y2K Academy Names US Navy Pilot Y2K10 Dad of the Year

June 30, 2010 - PRLog -- CONTACT: Dr. Princella Johnson, (757) 925-4545 Ext. 1003 or y2kacademy757@gmail.com

Official Awards Web Site: http://Y2KDadzAward.webs.com  
Main Agency Web Site: http://Y2KAcademy.webs.com

(SUFFOLK, VA) – To celebrate and encourage responsible fatherhood in Hampton Roads, Y2K Academy implemented the first-ever “Y2K Dadz of the Year Awards competition and ceremony. Six Dads were honored during the event Sunday, June 27, 2010 at The Shepherd’s Center in Suffolk, Virginia. The awards ceremony was a climax to a newly established weeklong celebration June 20-26, 2010 “Responsible Fatherhood Appreciation Week,” recognized by Suffolk Mayor Linda Johnson in a citywide proclamation. In January, Y2K Academy received a US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Family Assistance National Responsible Fatherhood Capacity-Building Initiative grant. Sponsors for the event included: The Master’s House Church, Tabernacle Christian Church, Crown Trophy, Applebee’s, Major Signs, Inc., and Stephanie’s Fashion Boutique.

A crowd of about 70 local citizens and community leaders gathered to witness the honorees receive their awards which came from nominations of friends and family members. James Robinson, Senior Chaplain of Newport News City Jail provided the keynote address.

Event organizer, Dr. Princella Johnson, Y2K Academy Founder, was pleased with the competition’s outcome. “Although Y2K has been working in the responsible fatherhood arena since 2007 with support groups for Dads and one-on-one mentoring, this is our first community-wide fatherhood event. The community rallied behind us, and made it a very special occasion for our honorees, and we’re very proud of the impact it has had on the families involved. Many thanks to all who helped,” she said. “We plan to hold the event annually if funding permits.”

Johnson revealed that a back to school rally encouraging father involvement is the next responsible fatherhood event on the agenda for Monday, September 6, 2010. Military commands, youth groups, schools, community organizations and businesses interested in participating should contact the Y2K main office to get involved with the “Fathers as First Teachers on the First Day of School” Labor Day Back to School Rally.  The initiative is a Y2K Dadz school drop-out prevention program whose first objective is to have fathers take their children to school on the first day of the school year.

Y2K10 Dadz of the Year receiving recognition included: Mr. David Brickey, Dad of the Year; Pastor Gerald Goodman, Christian Dad; Chaplain James Robinson, Community Servant Dad; Mr. Allan Walker, Single Dad; Mr. Charles Gates, Y2K Volunteer of the Year; and Mr. Samuel Sherrod, Y2K Dad nominee. View all honorees at the official award site, http://y2kdadzaward.webs.com.

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Y2K Academy is a Christ-centered youth and parental mentoring agency with the distinction of developing Virginia’s first-ever online mentoring program. Mentors are needed for youth and Dads. For more information or interviews, please contact, Dr. Princella Johnson, (757) 925-4545 Ext. 1003. Visit us online at http://Y2KAcademy.Webs.Com.