Fathers walk their children to school as part of ‘Million Father March’

Fathers of students in Colorado Springs walked their children back to school as part of the “Million Father March,” which aims to get fathers more involved in their children’s education.

“(I want) to let him know that I’m here with him and he’s representing me and I represent him, but we also represent Sierra High School,” said Joseph Dailey.

Dailey is one of dozens of fathers from Sierra High School who walked his child to his first day of school.

“It means a lot because a lot of pressure is on me, (like) ACTs. I need all the support I can get,” said Derrian Dailey, a junior at Sierra High School.

School officials say that no matter their age or grade, parents should be involved in their children’s education.

“This is important because research shows the more the parents are involved and engaged, the higher academic outcome for students,” said Aaron Griffen, principal at Sierra High School.

The Million Father March is a nationwide event. Hundreds of parents participated in Colorado Springs.

“We’re excited about the school year. We’re going to have a great one. Panorama is a great school and school district,” said Elizabeth Domangue, principal at Panorama Middle School.

Staff at Panorama Middle School also participated, greeting and cheering on every student who walked through the doors.

“It’s very important. When I was their age, we didn’t do anything like this where I lived, and basically I didn’t have a father from age 11 on,” said Jeremy Zuniga, the father of a student.

Zuniga made sure his two children had his support.

“It’s calming that I know I have my dad with me here,” said Kaia Zuniga, an eighth-grader at Panorama Middle School.

“I just feel if you’re involved in their education from the beginning, then your kids would see the importance in education,” said father Michael Johnson.