Inspiring fathers to make a difference

At Wilmer-Hutchins Elementary School, fathers are valued for the impact they can have as positive role models.

Campus security officer Joseph Thomas, with his son by his side, is showing fathers and father figures how to be more engaged.

Thomas knows the importance of having a present father figure, which is why he started the chapter of All Pro Dad, a national organization, at the school. The goal is to get more fathers involved and strengthen family ties.

Launched in 1997, the national program is based on a sports draft model that encourages fathers to be engaged in their children’s lives.

“I was inspired by my college classmate, a former NFL player who also started an All Pro Dad chapter,” Thomas said. “I felt like this was the platform we needed in Dallas ISD.”

Thomas’ vision has since spread to other schools, leading to district-wide collaboration with Partnership and Volunteer Engagement Services, as well as Dallas ISD Police and Security Services Department.

While at the University of Notre Dame, Thomas was a student-athlete and earned a bachelor’s degree. Though his dreams of playing professional football did not materialize, he decided early on that he would use his career to support others. His college’s culture also prepared him for a lifelong commitment to community impact.

His son, Jayvon, a Class of 2023 cornerback and graduate from South Oak Cliff High School, is following in his footsteps. After winning back-to-back state championships with the Golden Bear Football Team in 2021 and 2022, Thomas’ son obtained a Name, Image, and Likeness deal with Texas A&M University, where he has continued to be successful both on and off the field.

“We decided to collaborate. My son understands that I grew up without a father,” said Thomas.f. “Jayvon gives back by using portions of his NIL money to fund breakfast for the program, and I do all of the groundwork.”

In April, at a Texas A&M home game, the All Pro Dad and Family First national organization honored Thomas and his son with certificates and public recognition for their outstanding impact in the Dallas community.
“I am preparing my son to take on the mantle and continue the work that I have already started,” Thomas said.

The All Pro Dad Chapter at Wilmer-Hutchins supports fathers through daily one-minute emails and holds monthly meetings an hour before school that equip them with parenting tools. The meetings include serving breakfast and a special moment to celebrate their contributions as parents.

Continuing to lead by example, Thomas is also bringing attention to men’s health and the silent symptoms of heart-related issues through a wellness clinic led by the school nurse.

“I realized that I can’t be an all-pro dad if I am not healthy,” he said, acknowledging that being a great father means not just being present, but living a long, active life.

For the past 23 years in Dallas ISD, Thomas has been a mentor to students at each of the schools he has served, inspiring the fathers and teachers around him to do the same.

“I hope that the students learn the skills they need in life,” Thomas said. “I want to give them a good foundation so when they are faced with hard times, they know that they will be okay and that they are equipped to continue their education and make the world a better place.”