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On The Cover:By Sally KalosDads & Gradswere lengthy, prayer-filled events held in churches have evolved into brisk stadium ceremonies. Interestingly, graduations were originally intended solely for university students.Whether you’re honoring a devoted dad or a hardworking grad, June is all about celebration. So take the time to appreciate the fathers in your life, recognize the scholars who have reached a milestone, and soak in the joys of summer. Enjoy!J une is a time for celebration— honoring both the wisdom of fathers and the achievements ofgraduates. Father’s Day, observed this year on June 15th, has an interesting history. While several presidents supported the idea early on, it took fifty years before Father’s Day became an official U.S. holiday.Congress met the idea with resistance, and it wasn’t until 1972, during President Nixon’s re-election campaign, that the day was finally recognized on the federal calendar.Graduation season, on the other hand, spans the entire month and carries a much older legacy. The tradition of commencement ceremonies dates all the way back to the 12th century. What onceFather’s Day SubmissionsSTI Love You Dadoday I’d like to show my appreciation to my dad, David. He was 23 when he had me aboutHis ability to bring laughter into any situation makes even the toughest times feel lighter, and his generous heart shows us every day what it means to care for others. He is the best dad because of all these things and more. I thank him for everything he does. I love my dad!A Story of Love, Stepping Up, and Starting NewNSubmitted By LisaMarie Andrewsot all heroes wear capes—some wear baby carriers and hold tiny hands with unwavering strength.From the moment he stepped into our lives, my son-in-law did something extraordinary: he chose to love a family that was already growing, and then helped it grow even more.He didn’t hesitate when it came to loving a child that wasn’t biologically his. He showed up—with open arms, endless patience, and a heart big enough to heal. He attended school plays, dried tears after hard days, taught lessons about kindness, and somehow made bedtime stories sound like magic. Being a stepdad wasn’t a title to him—it was a calling, and he’s answered it with every ounce of love and loyalty a child could ever hope for.Then came the day he became a new dad—again, this time from the very first breath. And if we thought he couldn’t love more deeply, we were wrong. Watching him hold his newborn, with that same gentle strength and awestruck wonder, was proof that fatherhood isn’t about blood—it’submitted By Cindy Sifuentesthe same age I am now. I think of you every waking moment of every waking minute.When I lost you at the fresh age of 18, I thought my world was going to end. I didn’t understand how someone so wonderful could be taken off this earth so soon.Five years since you’ve been gone, and I still talk about you and to you every day. I’m thankful to have had such an amazing understanding person like him. My dad shaped me as a person so much.I wouldn’t have so much empathy and compassion for others without his doing. He always taught us with kindness. I can’t imagine my life without him. Although I only had 18 short years of having my dadin my life, I am extremely grateful for the time and moments we had together. I try my best to make my dad proud and this is something I know he’d love me to do, write something , put myself out there for him.Thank you, dad, for being an inspirational person to me. Love, Cindy S.He’s More Than A Dad - He Is My FoundationSubmitted By Deanna PrunedaM y dad was a firefighter who worked 24-hour shifts, but on his days off, he was all ours. He took us to the movies, arcades, and Civic Center pool—not just to keep us busy, but to create memories. He showed us what it looked liketo be present, even when tired.He always told us,“Get your education—no one can take that from you.” That shaped who I am today. Because of him, I learned discipline through sports, time management, and how to use my voice. He gave space for my mom to be herself, which in turn taught me how to honor who I am.One memory that stays with me is the day I picked up keys to my first apartment as a married college student. My dad stood in line with me for hours, just to be there. It was the start of a new chapter—and he made sure I didn’t begin it alone.What makes my dad special isn’t just what he does, but how he does it—with love, quiet strength, and a heart that neverMy Dad’s Humor Lifts Our SpiritsMSubmitted By Elle Trevinoy dad is the best because he is the type of dad whose loyalty never wavers, whose humor liftsour spirits, and whose kindness touchesabout presence, commitment, and heart. He has built a bridge between two worlds—between the child he stepped in to raise and the child he helped bring into the world. And he walks it every day withgrace, humility, and an unstoppable love. He’s more than a son-in-law. He’s a rock. A role model. A protector. A father in everysense of the word.And he’s the best one we could’ve everhoped for.turns away. He builds birdhouses if I ask, gives advice when I need it, and always reminds me: “You can do it. Just find a way.”He’s more than a dad—he is my foundation.My Dad Is SpecialSubmitted By Meagan ZavalaI’m Madelyn, I’m 18 months old and my dada is so special to me in lots of ways. He lets me rideeveryone he meets. His unwavering support and dedication make us feel safe and loved, and we’re so grateful for the constant presence he has in our lives.high up on his shoulders, he reads me my favorite books and even makes the funny sounds, he teaches me to speak Español and how to be brave on the slide all by myself. Dada is my protector and my best friend for life!6www.heloteshighlights.comJune 2025