What does it take to excel at fatherhood and at life? The All Pro Dad chapter at Heritage Elementary School brings fathers and their sons and daughters together once a month before school for intentional, meaningful conversations. The local chapter was started by Beau Hummel, a local pastor and parent.
“I remember how busy I was as a young dad. It was my wife who kept reminding me that of all the things I could give my kids, it was my TIME they wanted more than anything. I wanted to provide a space for young dads here in Marion a positive space to give a little of that big thing that their children are longing for,” Hummel said.
National Leadership
The All Pro Dad program was founded by Mark Merrill and NFL Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy in 1997. It was inspired by Dungy’s own struggle of balancing a successful NFL head coaching career and the aspiration to be a great father. The goal is to provide quality time to strengthen parent-child relationships.
“Kids will take time with their dads any way they can. Because women tend to be the nurturers in the family…. dads feel far less equipped to nurture their children. We can talk sports or cars or hunting, but things that truly matter—character, compassion, work ethic, family—how do we talk about these things?” Hummel said.
All Pro Dad Discusses Character
The discussions are focused around character, including: consistency, respect, determination, confidence, joy, optimism, responsibility, patience, friendliness and compassion. Grandfathers, stepfathers and other positive male role models of Heritage Elementary School students are also invited to take part as guests or volunteers.
“All Pro Dad matters because it intentionally opens doors for dads to have life-changing and life-giving conversations. The conversations they have each meeting are simple, fun, and immediately applicable to both the kids and the dads,” Hummel said. “So what impact on the kids? They get immediately applicable life lessons from time spent with a human they LONG to spend time with. What impact on dads? Being a dad is hard. They walk away encouraged that they did something for their child that matters and a growing confidence that they can talk about the real important things.”
Finding Fun
The meetings include donuts, games, a short video, lessons on core values and thought-provoking questions for parents and kids to discuss. While the chapter took some organizing to get started and keep operating, all new participants at Heritage have to do is show up.
“Beau Hummel, who founded the chapter, recruited volunteers, and donors, coordinated with school officials, provided both instruction and supplies to the nine-month program. Another busy task for an already extremely busy guy. BUT anybody who knows Beau, knows that’s no obstacle. His vision and passion seeps into anything he gets involved in,” said Kirk Millisor, an active chapter member.
“Fathers speak love into their child and vice versa. We believe the impact it has on children is great!” Hummel said.
New Chapter at Elgin
Volunteers started an All Pro Dad Chapter at Elgin last year after hearing about Heritage’s program. Elgin’s meetings will start this school year after the harvest.
This year, Millisor has stepped into the role as captain at Heritage Elementary School. He appreciates support from the school to accommodate the chapter meetings and from CrossCountry Mortgage for sponsoring the enrollment and refreshments. There’s no cost to visit a meeting.
“I am actively recruiting willing and able fathers, grandfathers, and stepfathers to join us in the morning both as volunteers and guests,” Millisor said.
Heritage Schedule
The 2025-2026 dates for Heritage Elementary All Pro Dads from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. are:
- September 5
- October 3
- November 7
- December 5
- January 9
- February 6
- March 6
- April 10
- May 1
For more info:
To volunteer, sponsor, or for more information, please reach out to Kirk Millisor at 740-360-0993.
Follow the group on Facebook.
All Pro Dad website.
MarionMade! is a program of Marion Technical College.
