For the second year, Y2K Academy is recognizing great dads and exceptional fatherhood with its “Y2K11 Dadz of the Year Awards.”

Nominations are being accepted now for awards that will be presented June 12, a week before Father’s Day. The deadline for nominations is May 27.

Y2K Academy founder Princella Johnson said nominations make for great Father’s Day gifts to show your dad that you appreciate his hard work.

The awards are a way to reward excellent fathers for all the things they do.

Johnson said stronger communities are built when children have both their mother and father involved in their lives.

There are five categories for the awards — Dad of the Year, Christian Dad of the Year, Community Servant Dad of the Year, Single Dad of the Year and Second Chance Dad of the Year.

Johnson said fathers do not have to be living with their children or married in order to be nominated, but the selection committee looks for several different qualities when choosing the dads of the year.

“They really have to be a positive role model,” she said. “That’s really important.”

They should work with the children’s mothers as partners in parenting, demonstrate love and provide motivation to their children to excel and achieve inside and outside of school.

“A Y2K dad is also trustworthy and protects his child’s welfare,” Johnson said.

Nominees have to be Hampton Roads residents and must sign a consent form to the nomination.

Nominations must also include a photo of the father. Johnson said the organization wants to honor all the nominees, whether they win or not, so there will be a web page dedicated to all the nominated fathers, narrating their deeds and including their photos.

Johnson hopes the awards will outdo themselves this year. She said she wants to exceed the number of nominations received last year and get a broad group of nominees.

The winners receive a trophy and a plaque. New this year, winners will also get a free suit provided by a national men’s retailer.

Johnson said the suits are top-quality name brand suits that are sold at stores across the country.

“We really want to do a great service for the dads this year,” she said.

The awards will be held June 12 at 7 p.m. at The Shepherd Center of Tabernacle Christian Church.

Johnson said she also is looking for business sponsors and volunteers to help with the award ceremony. For more information, contact her at 925-4545.

To nominate a dad, or for more information on guidelines, visit y2kdadzaward.webs.com. Nomination forms also can be sent by fax to 394-3377 or email to y2kacademy757@gmail.com.