By Abby Hackmann
ahackmann@civitasmedia.com
LAURINBURG — Lamontez Cousar is 10 years old, but he is already planning to attend a prestigious college.
Cousar, a student at I. Ellis Johnson Elementary School, is certainly dressed for success.
The young man was decked out on Wednesday in crisp shirt and a bright red bow tie. The attire is part of the school’s Bow Tie Club that stands for Being On The Winning Team In Education. The promotes success and good behavior in its members.
The group of about 20 fourth- and fifth-grade boys meets meet every Wednesday where they Dress for Success by accessorizing their dress shirts with a signature bow tie.
“The Bow Tie Club was created as a way to encourage some of our male students to step up into leadership roles and increase their behavior in school,” Assistant Principal Amy Sloop said.
Each week, the students receive an assortment of unique bow ties ranging from bright red to checkers and stripes. The club recently received brand new bow ties and a letter from the Scotland County Schools Superintendent Ron Hargrave.
“The black, gray and white one is my favorite,” said Dejuan Bethea, a 10-year-old club member. “It makes me feel special.”
Each student was chosen based on their grades and behavior. To stay in the club, the students agree to be on their best behavior every day, stay away from bullying others, participate in class in a positive manner, complete all assignments daily and have excellence attendance.
“The young men were chosen to be role models for the entire school and raise awareness against bullying,” said Charles Nabors, guidance counselor and advisor for the club.
So far teachers at the school have already noted improvements made by club members.
“We represent the school in an honorable way,” said Jahari Brown, an 11-year-old club member.
The students will be rewarded for their progress. Those that receive a positive report card, at the end of a nine-week period, will be permitted to have lunch off-campus with the superintendent and members of his executive team.
Nabors is also planning to the young men on a tour of a college campus.
Cousar said he is looking forward to the trip.
“I like the club very much because we get to go on special trips and learn things we’ve never learned before,” he said. “We get to eat with college people and that’s what I like the most because I want to go to college at Duke University.”
Nabors said he would like to see the idea initiated in other schools in the district.
“Hopefully we can be a model school for all the schools in the county to give our young males basic exposure to things they wouldn’t normally be exposed to,” Nabors said. “It also encourages them to excel in academics and behavior in school.”
Abby Hackmann can be reached at 910-506-3171.
