Southport Middle School proudly launched its All Pro Dads program last week, and our first meeting was everything we hoped it would be. Dads, father figures, and their students filled the room to share breakfast, play games, and simply enjoy time together. The activities were built around connection and conversation starters that got fathers and children laughing, competing, and listening to one another.
The most powerful moment came when each dad turned to his child and said why he was proud of him or her. Students heard specific words of affirmation about their effort, their kindness, their growth, their courage in hard moments. Dads also offered a piece of advice to carry forward: stay disciplined, choose good friends, work hard even when no one is watching, and never be afraid to ask for help. It was a reminder that a father’s voice carries weight that lasts far beyond one morning, and that intentional time together is one of the strongest predictors of a student’s success in school and in life.
We are grateful to the community partners who made the morning possible. A heartfelt thank you to the owner of Ace of Carts for generously donating donuts and coffee for our students and families; that hospitality set the tone for the entire event. Thank you as well to Dan, manager of Meeting Street, for donating a $50 gift card to support our program and our families.
This is only the beginning. We look forward to growing All Pro Dads at Southport Middle School and welcoming even more dads/supportive role models and students to our next meeting.
