September 10, 2025—WATCH D.O.G.S. is a successful national program established in 1998 to encourage community members—particularly fathers and father figures—to get involved with their local schools. D.O.G.S. stands for Dads Of Great Students, and the program has been implemented in more than 8,800 schools nationwide. Millions of positive male role models have served as WATCH D.O.G.S. through its 27 years of existence.

"We have just launched our 8,848th school," said Jim Walters, National Director of WATCH D.O.G.S. "The secret sauce of this program is the love and brotherhood that develops between the dads who get involved. WATCH D.O.G.S. proves over and over again that fathers and father figures will show up in service to their school campus and community."

While WATCH D.O.G.S. are present in several schools around the Cobb County School District, Varner Elementary School has really taken the program to heart. Both the school staff and parents have embraced it and caused it to flourish over the last several years, making Varner an excellent example of what is possible with WATCH D.O.G.S. In fact, Varner recently celebrated the program's 10-year anniversary at the school with a kickoff event for the 2025-26 school year. As usual, it was very well-attended and filled the school's cafeteria with many current Dads of Great Students, as well as many others who came to learn more about getting involved.

A large part of Varner's success with WATCH D.O.G.S. is due to Tony Tesmer, a speech therapist at the school and the coordinator for the program. Tony is filled with positivity himself, and his love for the WATCH D.O.G.S. program is evident from the moment he begins speaking about it. Last year, he helped to recruit over 100 men to be involved in various ways at the school, and this year will continue to build on that momentum.

"We have found something that's magical, and it has just clicked here," Mr. Tesmer said about his Varner D.O.G.S. "They come out whenever I ask them. These dads are hungry to be a part of what's happening in the school and the community. Last school year, we had 262 occurrences of WATCH D.O.G.S. being involved in the school day, an evening, or a weekend event. Varner has the best dads!"

As the 10th Anniversary kickoff got underway, it was soon revealed that Varner not only has the best dads but also the best coordinator. Jim Walters himself made a surprise entrance into the cafeteria to award Mr. Tesmer with the 2025 Coordinator of the Year national award. The room erupted in applause and cheers as Tony stood in disbelief.

"I am humbled. To me, this award is a reflection of what these dads do. The award is a byproduct of that. I wouldn't be anywhere with WATCH D.O.G.S. without them. We've been doing this since 2014 and it has grown over the last decade. I did the program with my own kids, and I'll never forget that experience. I want that for them," Mr. Tesmer said with emotion.

"We have a lot of schools involved in the program, but few have figured out how to do it like this," Jim Walters said about his team's decision. "We wish we could take what he does and gift it to other coordinators. It's been exciting to learn about what Tony is doing here, but it's even more exciting to witness it in person. It's a great way for us to shine the spotlight on compelling success stories within the program."

Mr. Walters emphasized that the impact of one strong leader can inspire others nationwide.

"My hope is that more men like Tony will step up around the country and surround themselves with others like themselves. It's great to have a passionate individual running the program at the school, but it's even better when there's a team. This helps to ensure long-term success by building for the future," Jim Walters said in conclusion.

Congratulations to Varner WATCH D.O.G.S. for ten years of dedicated service to the community and also to Tony Tesmer for being selected as the National Coordinator of the Year! This award is well deserved and we can't wait to see what happens at Varner and other schools around the District with the WATCH D.O.G.S. program!