Why Darrin Sherrill is an Involved Father

Recently, there has been a national discussion on the absence of a father figure for many children in America. In fact, according to the United States Census Bureau, one out of three children is raised without their biological father. “It’s a shame,” says Darrin Sherrill, who is involved in the lives of his own children. “I enjoy spending time with my children and hope that any other father would feel the same.”

Despite his demanding career and time in the air as a pilot, Darrin Sherrill remains invested in his children even as they have moved away from their Georgia home. One of Darrin Sherrill’s sons, Michael, received the prestigious Auburn Spirit Foundation Scholarship. The funds are available for 4 years beginning in the fall of 2008. “I’m proud of Michael,” says Darrin Sherrill. “He’s studious and ambitious. I definitely think there’s a correlation between academic success and the presence of a strong father figure.”

Darrin Sherrill’s theory is correct, according to the National Fatherhood Initiative. Children who grow up without a father figure are four times more likely to live in poverty compared to their peers. Furthermore, children raised in single-parent households are 4.3 times more likely to get involved in drugs and alcohol. Darrin Sherrill believes that because of his involvement in his children’s lives, they’ve chosen to participate in extracurricular activities instead of substance abuse.

In fact, Darrin Sherrill’s other son, Kevin, received a wrestling scholarship to the University of Northern Iowa. Though Kevin received a wrestling scholarship, he eventually changed his major to Art, which was encouraged by his parents. “You know, parents should encourage their children more to follow their passions,” says Darrin Sherrill. “I was proud of Kevin for receiving a wrestling scholarship, but I’m just as proud of him for pursuing something he loves.” Darrin Sherrill also enjoys that his son is now studying in Alpharetta, Georgia, which is much closer to home than his initial choice of the University of Northern Iowa.

“I want to see my children succeed – that’s why I’m involved,” says Darrin Sherrill. “Whether or not they follow in my footsteps is up to them, but I want to be remembered as a positive role model in their lives.” Aside from being involved, Darrin Sherrill encourages other fathers to be positive figures by living a life of ethical character, professional success, and love.