The St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office officially kicked off its Distinguished Gentlemen’s Club May 10 during a “meet and greet” at Patrol Headquarters in LaPlace.

A mentoring program for young men in the parish has been a vision of Sheriff Mike Tregre for a few years. Club Director Lt. Vernon Bailey Jr. welcomed students, with Bailey and several officers serving as mentors.

Mentors met with the juniors from all local high schools to get acquainted.

The officers will work to guide these young men in building traits of good character that will prepare them to be productive members of society, as well as assist these young men in obtaining skills needed to become positive influences in the community.

The skills will be introduced and reinforced through lessons, experiences and interactions that will deepen and broaden their knowledge to become distinguished gentlemen.

“These types of programs are desperately needed in our parish to keep our youth on the right track of being great future leaders of St. John,” Tregre said.

Tregre also is seeking community leaders to serve as volunteers and work with his officers in presenting this program.

Those interested in assisting with the program should call Vernon Bailey Jr. at 985-359-8775.