Fathers line up regularly at elementary school to create positive experience for students
BRANDON, Miss. (WLBT/Gray News) — A monthly tradition at a Mississippi elementary school is giving students a spirited start to the day, thanks to a group of fathers who show up to cheer them on.
Once a month at Oakdale Elementary School in Brandon, fathers line up at the front entrance to create a tunnel of encouragement for every child walking in.
The program, called Dads at the Door, brings fathers together before the first bell to greet students with high-fives, big smiles and cheers as they start their school day.
“Really looking forward to the opportunity of seeing the kids, wishing them good morning and, hopefully, set their mood for the learning of the day,” Josh Haycraft, a participating father, said.
The fathers participate whether they have their own child at the school or not, but the mission remains the same for all volunteers.
“So, everybody can high-five a dad. Not necessarily their dad, a dad of some sort to get their day up for the day,” Deven Mendoza added.
The fathers said they can see the immediate impact on the children’s faces and attitudes.
“Just watching the change in their face from, ‘Oh, I don’t want to be here,’ to, ‘Hey, that’s cool. Come on, man. Let’s do it again,’” Jamie Beeson said.
The program serves as a reminder that a positive presence, even for just a few seconds, can change a child’s entire day.
“I get to come out, support the school, support the kids and show them that other people support them, their education and their future,” Haycraft said.
For some fathers, the monthly event provides a rare opportunity to see their children during the school day.
“I’m excited to see my son because my wife usually drops him off and so I get to high-five him, and he’s loud and big and loud like me, so he’s going to be so excited. I just can’t wait to see that look on his face,” Mendoza said.
The fathers said the program benefits them as much as the students.
“Doing this today, it’s already put such a positive impact on my day to be able to come out and do something this simple,” Beeson said.
Copyright 2025 WLBT via Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
