John L. Ory Commun–

ication Arts Magnet School’s Gentlemen’s Club was conceived at the beginning of last school year. The focus of the club of sixth-grade males was to teach the young boys to be gentlemen while also focusing on their academics, attendance and behavior. The members of the club participated in various activities: leadership lunches, community service, oral presentations, meetings with local and state officials and lessons in etiquette. Sponsor Monica Brown provided the boys with monthly lessons and guest speakers.

The gentlemen also met with the club’s founder, Stephen Peters, on two occasions. The first was last year at ESJHS, where the club met with him after he spoke to the district’s employees, and the second was at the St. John Parish School District’s 2010 Back to School Breakfast where the Gentlemen’s Club was recognized for receiving the “Gold Club” level. Peters told the club that each gentleman will receive a gold tie to wear in place of their navy tie under their Gentlemen’s Club vest.

During their inaugural year, the club was extremely active. Monica Brown, the club’s sponsor, stated, “I must acknowledge that our club’s success is the result of a team effort: administrators, teachers, students, parents, staff and community!”

The club participated in the following activities throughout the year:

October 2009

• Young men began dressing in button down white shirts and ties.

• Leadership lunches with speakers began.

• Gentlemen met Peters at East St John High School.

November 2009

• Officers were elected.

• District attorney swore officers in.

• Gentlemen invited to school board meeting.

• Video created about the Distinguished Gentlemen.

• Gentlemen began learning the pledge.

• Enrichment classes and leadership lunches with speakers continued.

December 2009

• Gentlemen collected toys for boys their ages and donated to local agency.

• Gentlemen challenged to do good academically by speaker from the military: speaker will give the top two students a game system of their choice at the end of the year (Wii, Playstation 3, or Xbox).

• Gentlemen awarded a $500 grant for a community/parent luncheon.

January 2010

• Gentlemen did Power–

Point presentations on integrity and presented orally.

• Gentlemen collected and box Mardi Gras beads and non-perishable food for Louisiana servicemen from school.

• Company agreed to fund vests and ties for all gentlemen.

February 2010

• Ten Gentlemen attended a NBA Hornets game with family and stood with players for national anthem (wearing white shirts and ties).

• Gentlemen treated to taco lunch by the mother of one of our gentlemen because she likes the effect it has on her son.

March 2010

• PTO meeting featured Distinguished Gentlemen and Precious Diamonds (sixth girls dressed in white shirts and scarves).

• Gentlemen “earn” ties and vests by reciting pledge and tying ties individually

• Gentlemen meet Gov. Jindal and State Rep. Nickie Monica and Gary Smith debuting GC vests and ties; fathers helped chaperone.

April 2010

• Sponsor funds creation of Four-Star banquet experience and agreed to help teach etiquette lesson.

May 2010

• Four-Star banquet held with Saints special teams coach as guest speaker

(GC vests and ties with be worn).

• Gentlemen and Precious Diamonds wrap-up with lunch by principal and her husband about how to treat a lady.

• End of Year Class Award Celebration.