On May 29, 2024, seven young men along with their families and mentors met at Westside Elementary School for a closing night ceremony for the “Boys To Men” mentoring program. The program was established in the school several years ago but was restructured for the 2023-2024 school year by the Community Liaison, Sherri Ambrose, who also serves as advisor for the program. Bernard Johnson, one of Westside’s Congregations In Action partners, is the coordinator of the program.
Gentlemen from the Roanoke community presented different topics each month to the participating young men. They offered their experience, time, and knowledge to encourage the participants to try and make good life choices and decisions, along with pursuing possible career paths. At the beginning of each meeting, the young men practiced how to tie a necktie with a “Windsor Knot.” This demonstration was partnered with a discussion on dressing appropriately for different jobs and or settings.
The program graduates received a gold personalized hoodie jacket with the logo “Boys To Men” and each participant received a purple necktie (Westside colors), and a plaque during the fifth-grade promotion ceremony on June 5th.
The mentors for the program were: Bernard Johnson, D’Sean Adams, Dyke Wood, Darrell Wood, Carl Haley, Doug Pitzer, Mike Hamlar, Bill Lawrence, William Hankins, Doug Leftwich, Darren Wiggins, James Lawton, Felix Morgan, Archie Freeman, Scott Terry-Cabbler, and Thomas Lewis.
The participating students were: Marquelle Lewis, Kaine Scott, Israel Gray, Damon Claytor, Zamontae Pritchett, Kyran Reynolds, and King Hicklin.
Westside principal, Dr. Kristen English supports and strongly encourages enrichment and mentoring opportunities for the students.
