Flash Dads End School Year with Especially Enthusiastic High Fives and Fist Bumps

Louisville Water employees recently joined a group of men who volunteered to welcome students to Medora Elementary School with high fives, fist bumps, cheers, and shouts of “Have a great day!” It was the last Flash Dads event of the 2025-26 school year, so the cheers were especially enthusiastic as the students arrived in the morning.

“The Flash Dads program brings so much joy, happiness, and excitement to kids,” said Louisville Water Metering Specialist Nate Frederick. “To walk off the bus or get out of the car and then see a bunch of men excited to see them is truly a great feeling for everyone involved. What better way to start off your day?”

One student was disappointed he didn’t receive the enthusiastic welcome because he was already in the building before the men began greeting the arriving students. A school administrator escorted him outside and let him come back in so he could have the Flash Dads experience too.

The JCPS Diversity, Equity and Poverty Department started the program five years ago. Now a Louisville tradition, it provides positive role models who show students that men throughout the community care about them and their success.

Flash Dads events were held monthly throughout the school year, and Louisville Water employees helped create a welcoming and festive atmosphere at all of them. At least three or four company employees attended each event despite the demanding schedules they often work. Frederick credited the consistent turnout to management support.

“This is the first year the program has been promoted companywide with the support of ELT [Louisville Water’s Executive Leadership Team] and all managers,” he said.

He personally promoted the program because he “just wanted to bring something fun and exciting to the work environment of our employees that impacts lives for so many kids. Hearing ‘Have a great day today!’ and ‘Good morning!’ is impactful. It’s small, but it’s huge because so many people don’t get to hear that. That’s why it’s so special to me. I wanted everyone at Louisville Water to feel that same feeling.”