The Falcon Young Men of Distinction at Darlington High School believe a gentleman can be any age.
Former Career Specialist at the school, Jason Brown, started the organization back in 2014. He felt it was neccesary to create a group of positive male role models for students that grow up without a father.
Since its launch, the group has focused on participating in community projects, developing leadership skills and being big brothers to the Little Gents at Brunson-Dargan Elementary.
The Little Gents started a year after the Young Men of Distinction. Former Brunson-Dargan Physical Education teacher Joseph Gainey and Officer Cauthen, who was the SRO for the elementary, founded Little Gents.
Although both groups formed more than four years ago, they just decided to form a mentorship last month.
Jacques Brown is the Vice-President of the Young Men of Distinction. According to Brown, mentoring the Little Gents is an opportunity to teach them.
“It gives us a chance to interact with them, joke, and teach them valuable lessons, life lessons,” Brown said.
Jason Means became the Program Director when Brown left, and he feels a personal connection with the mentorship.
“It means a lot to me because I didn’t have a father figure in my life. I know what it’s like to not have that male role model, so I try my hardest to be that person for these kids and give them that extra push,” Means said.
To make sure the young men are performing well, Means regularly checks their grades and behavior. He also rewards them with trips to basketball games and bowling nights.
Frank O’shea is a Spanish teacher at Darlington High. He also works alongside Means to help make the Young Men of Distinction possible.
According to O’shea, the Falcon Young Men of Distinction standout in a crowd.
“We get complimented all the time on these guys, and the way they act in the school. There’s a difference between a male student and the Falcon Young Men, and I think that’s evidence of what we’re doing,” O’shea said.
