Men of Distinction
"Learning to become gentlemen"
Vol. 1, Ed. 1 11.18.16
Why did Mr. Owens create this program?
Teaching the students the soft skills and the way to conduct themselves in any given situation is very important. This is a MUST for a student to be prepared to operate in our society. How will they know if we don't teach? Proper eye contact, firm hand shake, proper dress, academic mindset, and advocacy skills just don't come about by breathing. Being around great adults in my life in and out of school, made me the person I am today. Being exposed to great mentorship opportunities like Project Keep Hope Alive, Upward Bound, and my fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. made me want to find a way to continue to do this in a school environment. I wanted to Capture, Inspire, and Teach our young men how to grow into gentlemen!
It started with a dream and now it is a reality!
A big thank you to our Principal, Mr. Fontana. Thank you Mr. Jim Mustain and the Loving Community organization! I can not express my gratitude and appreciation for your leadership and commitment to MoD. Thank you to the MoDs parents who are very supportive in this operation. Without the parent support this transition from boys to men would not be possible. Thank you to our feeder middle school campuses and their administration.
Again this is a work in progress, but a very important one. We will continue to count our victories no matter how small. These successes will grow into a bigger victory in the future. Thank you so much for the support and prayers.
September Lunch and Learn (Inaugural session)
During the 1st Lunch and Learn, Mr. Mustain did the welcome and spoke with the students about Goal Setting and Accountability. Students were able to sit with their mentors and work on their SMART goals for the school year. Big thank you to Jason's Deli for providing the nutritious meal for the students and mentors.
The big surprise of the morning was Mr. Owens being awarded the Good Neighbor Award presented by the Loving Community and Abby Realtor. This award was presented to Mr. Owens for being a change agent and founding the Men of Distinction program.
Mr. Mustain bringing the lesson of the month...
Mr. Plunkett (CZ Leader) listens in...
Dream come true...mentor with their MoD's...
Loving Community September 2016 Good Neighbor Award Winner
Men of Distinction Tie Session!
Tie Donation
Officer Alexander assisting Courtland
From boys to gentleman...
October Lunch and Learn
Mr. Doug Mulvihil
Kalen Vasher and Mr. O
Our awesome mentors and MoDs
Academics, Attendance, and Attitude!
Breaking Bread with my Mentor
Choices and Consequences
November Lunch and Learn
Great day today with our young men. Shaabyi thank you for your timely and wise words on resolving conflict!
As I listened I found it symbolically important that on the day after an impacting election, with its share of conflict, that a group of men were with a group of young men helping them talk through and process this important topic.
As a point of personal privilege, today I posted my singular post of the political season on Facebook saying this:
Today — irregardless of the outcome of a single day of national VOTING, I will be refreshed and encouraged to rub shoulders with SO many kind and loving friends, VOWING to make every day, a day in which to love, be kind, do good, and be difference makers!
And some days you just need to begin by making a gratitude list!
Today I am grateful that I get to read at Rockbrook Elementary School with 1st graders representing 27 different countries. By my presence and actions letting them feel they are loved and welcomed.
Today I am grateful that I get to sing hymns and share the stories of the ancients with my memory care friends at Arbor House Memory Care Center. Communicating they have value and are respected even as they face mental disease and disability.
Today I am grateful that I get to eat lunch with 9th grade boys as part of Men of Distinction at Lewisville High School - Harmon campus. Blessed to mentor with ten other men who model and teach respect for all, and how to conduct themselves as gentlemen.
Today I am grateful to get to meet with caring community leaders via the Chamber of Commerce who seek the protection and betterment of children through the Children’s Advocacy Center of Denton County.
Today I am grateful to be part of the Rockbrook Town Home HOA and as we meet tonight to discuss and make plans for making our community a wonderful place in which to live.
And all throughout the day I am grateful to reflect on and pray for the many kind and good people who will continue to “show up at the show up place” keep their VOWS and VOTE by their actions and ultimately bring a little heaven to earth!
Eagerly awaiting the message from Mr. Gage
Breaking bread with their mentors and catching up...
Mr. Paul "Shaabyi" Gage Jr. with the message...
We are going on a little trip to NYC!
Ms. Kristin Waverka
Mr. Kalen Vasher
Mr. Owens and Mr. Braylen Grandison
Men of Distinction
LHS-Harmon
Email: owensm@lisd.net
Website: http://www.lisd.net/Domain/6960
Location: 1250 W Round Grove Rd, Lewisville, TX, United States
Phone: 4694460339
Facebook: facebook.com/LHSBenEHarmon
Twitter: @Owens10