LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Once a month, one of Jefferson County Public Schools' hallway turns into students' own personal pep rally.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity member Regionals McDaniel Sr. makes it his priority to attend.
“Support the kids, support this great principal here, to do some great community service for our great fraternity,” McDaniel said. “It’s a labor of love and we look forward to doing it every time we come out.”
The initiative is called Flash Dads, and it started three years ago under the diversity, equity and poverty programs division at JCPS.
“So the idea was to get as many men as we could to come out to the schools to show the community and show the students that there are a lot of men for you that care about you, and want to see you succeed in school,” Greg Vann, associate of diversity, equity and poverty programs at JCPS, said.
Nearly 50 men, including police officers and fraternity brothers like McDaniel, showed up Wednesday morning to Indian Trail Elementary School to encourage students as they head to class.
“They light up,” McDaniel said. “They’re excited, we’re excited. We have men from all over the community, from all walks of life that just come in and be a blessing to these kids. We can’t solve all the issues in the community, but this is a great start to let them know we care.”
Something as simple as a high five or a positive affirmation can make a difference in a student’s life.
“I hope this spreads like wildfire across the country and gets more men involved in the lives of our youth,” McDaniel said. “Again, we can’t be everything to everybody, but we can be something, something positive.”
If you’re interested in being a part of Flash Dads, email gregory.vann@jefferson.kyschools.us. Flash Dads is a surprise event for students that takes place once a month, usually the first or second Wednesday of the month. The next event is scheduled for Feb. 8, 2023.