Joseph Thomas, Sr.
Dallas ISD Police Department
Dallas, TX
Commissioned Security Officer Joseph Thomas, Sr. was nominated by Tracey Garnett of ValuTeachers.
"It all started with a conversation," said Garnett. "My colleague, Lakesha Poplar, and I had the opportunity to connect with Dion Brugger from All Pro Dad, and what he shared with us truly stayed with me. He spoke about the incredible work being led by CSO Thomas at his school and throughout the community, work centered around fathers showing up, being present, and making a lasting impact. What Mr. Thomas has built at Wilmer-Hutchins Elementary is a reflection of that mission in action."
At Wilmer-Hutchins Elementary, there's a strong belief that fathers and father figures play a powerful role in shaping students' lives. CSO Thomas, a campus security officer, is bringing that belief to life. Alongside his son, he's leading by example and showing what it truly means for fathers to be present, engaged, and intentional.
CSO Thomas understood firsthand what it meant to grow up without that presence, and he made it a mission to create something different. He started a school chapter of All Pro Dad, a national program focused on strengthening the bond between fathers and their children. This program encourages more men to actively show up in their kids' lives.
Founded in 1997, All Pro Dad uses a sports-inspired approach to connect with fathers and provide them with practical tools to become more involved. For CSO Thomas, the inspiration came from a former college classmate, an ex-NFL player who had launched his own chapter. What started at one campus has grown into something much larger, expanding across schools and building partnerships throughout the district.
CSO Thomas' journey is rooted in purpose. As a graduate and former student-athlete at the University of Notre Dame, he realized early on that even though professional football wasn't his path, making an impact on people's lives would be. Now, he's passing that same mindset down to his son, Jayvon, a graduate of South Oak Cliff High School and a talented athlete who helped lead his team to back-to-back state championships. Today, he continues his journey at Texas A&M, where he's thriving both academically and athletically.
What stands out even more is how they work together. Jayvon gives back by using a portion of his NIL earnings to support the All Pro Dad program, helping provide breakfast for the fathers while Joseph continues to lead and build the foundation.
Their impact hasn't gone unnoticed. They were recently recognized by the national All Pro Dad and Family First organization at a Texas A&M game for the difference they're making in their community.
At its core, the All Pro Dad chapter at Wilmer-Hutchins is about more than meetings. Fathers receive daily encouragement and gather monthly before school for connection, conversation, and growth, creating space not only for learning, but for appreciation and support.
CSO Thomas is also intentional about addressing an often-overlooked issue: men's health. Through school wellness initiatives, he's helping fathers understand that being present for their families also means taking care of themselves. To him, being a great father isn't just about showing up, but about being healthy enough to stay present for the long run.
With over two decades of service in Dallas ISD, CSO Thomas has consistently poured into students, families, and fellow educators. His goal is simple but powerful: to equip young people with the confidence and foundation they need to navigate life and overcome challenges. His work is a reminder that when fathers are engaged, entire communities are strengthened, and that kind of impact lasts far beyond the classroom.
"After hearing this story, one thing is clear," said Garnett. "This is the kind of work that deserves to be seen, supported, and replicated."
