A father is the man who first steps between you and the dangers of the world. He is the one to pick you up and put you back on your feet, telling you to try again.

There is one element of fatherhood that can never change. The foundation of fatherhood must be love.

And from that love comes love in return. For Father’s Day, readers of The Riverdale Press have sent in their own testimonials to their fathers, illustrating their feelings in pictures and in words.

Since this was a contest and there are prizes to give away, four entries have been selected for standing out above the rest.

And the winners are...

Elias Gabriel, 9, $25 gift certificate to Brown’s Jewelers, 5670 Riverdale Ave., (718) 549-2730; A men’s classic Cross pen, Invitations Plus, 600 W. 246th St., (718) 548-3900; $50 savings bond, Country Bank, 583 W. 235th St. (718) 601-8300; 10 gift passes to the pool, Riverdale Neighborhood House, 5521 Mosholu Ave., (718) 549-8100; $30 toward any car service, Marty’s Auto Clinic, 3019 Tibbett Ave., (718) 601-8850.

Erin Zhao, 6, Free haircut at Eco Salon, 3262 Johnson Ave., (718) 548-4023; $20 toward any purchase at Nathan’s Kosher Meats, 570 W. 235th St., (718) 548-1723; $25 gift certificate to the Piper’s Kilt restaurant, 170 W. 231st St., (718) 548-9539; $50 gift certificate, Marilyn’s Diamond Collection, Inc., 3264 Johnson Ave., (718) 601- GOLD; One guest pass, Riverdale YM-YWHA, 5625 Arlington Ave., (718) 548-8200.

Judith Veder, 66, $30 gift certificate to Le Chic Salon & Spa, 587 W. 235th St., (718) 548-9090; $10 gift certificate to David Allen Bath Shop, 141 McLean Ave., (914) 963-5110; Bottle of champagne, Skyview Liquor, 5681 Riverdale Ave., (718) 601-8222; $20 gift certificate, Desai’s Pharmacy, 228 W. 238th St., (718) 543-0800; Free oil change, Mobile Gas Station, 6161 Broadway, (718) 432-6821.

Paulino Jellane, $25 gift certificate, The Riverdale Diner, 3657 Kingsbridge Ave., (718) 884-8100; One guest pass, Riverdale YM-YWHA , 5625 Arlington Ave., (718) 548-8200; Free haircut, Rumors Haircutters, 3545 Riverdale Ave., (718) 543-8050; Oil change and filter, Van Dale Sunoco, 5832 Broadway, (718) 548-9592; $15 gift certificate, Windy Farm Nursery, 330 McLean Ave., (914) 659-6459.

It is that time again — time to enter the father of the year contest — lucky me!