‘Gentlemen’s Academy’ creating positive male role models in Providence

By: News Staff

Email: news@abc6.com

Twitter: @ABC6

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – It starts with a tie.

“The tie symbolizes that we’re going to be holding you accountable. That you do owe something to the school and you have to live up to our expectations,” said Rich Norris.

About a dozen young men at Alvarez High School in Providence earned an exclusive status on Wednesday, becoming members of the "gentlemen’s academy".

Freshman Shai Cepeda honored to be a part of the group.

“It’s pretty exciting because since I wasn’t really a part of anything before, now that I’m part of something I feel really good about myself,” said Shai Cepeda.

The mentoring program is aimed at creating positive male role models; started a few years ago by guidance councilor Rich Norris.

“Take young men who have a lot of potential and just work with them… and the biggest thing is just being their consistently,” said Norris.

The gentlemen meet weekly to discuss world events and work on career goals, and once a month they dress to impress; walking the halls in a button down shirt and tie.

It’s having a big impact on teens like Julian Mejia who calls it a fresh start.

“I’m getting in school more, I’m active more with talking to more people, speaking to big groups with a lot of people and showing that I’m there for them,” said Julian Mejia.

The gentlemen are proud to be leaders in their school and plan pay it forward by sharing their new skills with others.

©WLNE-TV / ABC6 2017