The tots armed with determination and nearly a dozen jumbo marshmallows each culminated the initial All-Pro Dads’ meeting of the 2025-26 school year at Joshua Dixon Elementary School by stacking the marshmallows on a tongue depressor that each held in his or her mouth as parents looked on.

All-Pro Dads has had a partnership with Dixon Elementary School for years, according to chapter leader Nicholas Clemmer.

School principal Kim Sharshan explained that the school-passed initiative is designed to provide opportunities for dads to spend consistent and quality time with their children. On day a month, other dads (and a few mothers) and their kids meet together and walk through different topics that invoke meaning conversations. The Oct. 3 topic was determination, which was bridged after dads first told their children about what makes them proud of them before watching a little presentation about a hungry little animated bird.

One of the questions addressed was what would have happened if the little bird hadn’t been determined to achieve his goal. Then the families talked about past scenarios where they were determined to surpass challenges.

Kevin Boardman, of Columbiana, and his 7-year-old daughter Haylee spent some time together Friday, Oct. 3, during the All-Pro Dads initial meeting of the school year at Joshua Dixon Elementary School. In addition to enjoying a presentation on “determination,” parents and their children spent the breakfast hour together. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

Sharshan said the program has been positive for her Dixon students. As she cleaned up after the presentation was held in the cafeteria and guests had left, she explained, “It is a nice opportunity for dads to slow down, come down and spend some time with his kids.”

Clemmer said he has been involved with the Dixon group for more than a decade. This is his last year for his youngest, but he said if he continued to be welcome, he would love to keep doing it even though his kids are aged out at Dixon.

Initially the program in Columbiana was started by Jeff Jackson before he became high school principal and Bruce Jeffries.

Clemmer said with the payment of the APD chapter fee, he gets access to a curriculum online that includes a guide and the accompanying paperwork to put on the subject material, including an activity.

However, Clemmer bypassed the recommended “determination” activity instead choosing the marshmallow exercise.

As part of the “determination” lesson for Oct. 3’s All-Pro Dads breakfast gathering, Randy Beccio, of Columbiana, looks on as his 9-year-old son Vincenzo tries to stack jumbo marshmallows on a tongue depressor while holding it in his mouth. The high was 11. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

He likes that the APD curriculum allows you to pick and choose topics and tweak accordingly to customize your own program.

Clemmer said that he would like to see more area school districts implement the program. For more information about All-Pro Dads, visit allprodad.com.

Owen Klenotic, 5, sits next to dad Luke Klenotic, of Salem, Friday, Oct. 3, during the initial All-Pro Dads monthly meeting of the 2025-26 school year at Joshua Dixon Elementary School. Students enjoyed breakfast and a moral lesson as part of the curriculum. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)