Here is the winning essay submitted by Kevin Metzger's wife, Melanie:

"I am nominating Kevin Metzger as East Cobber's Father of the Year 2009. He is an incredible and amazing father to our two daughters, Haley, 6, and Abby, 2. He loves being a dad more than anything in the world and it shows in all that he does.

Our daughter, Haley, has cerebral palsy and Kevin is her biggest advocate. He dealt with learning disabilities (dyslexia) as a child and brings a different perspective on parenting a child with special needs. He takes Haley to any of her therapies when he can and he is amazing at encouraging her to reach her highest potential. He also started a dads' discussion group for dads of children with special needs. He is always researching and learning more about treatments and programs to help her succeed. He works full-time and allows me to stay home with our girls. He always rearranges his schedule to be at any important event for our girls and participates in the daily things such as having lunch at school with them and taking them to birthday parties and to the park.