Keene Elementary Celebrates Graduates of “Knot Your Average Boy” Mentorship Program

Over the past seven weeks, Keene Elementary School has proudly hosted a mentor program for a select group of 5th grade boys. Each participant received a bowtie—a meaningful symbol of their commitment to embracing the journey of becoming young men and their promise to lead with respect, integrity, and pride in all they do.

Throughout the program, the boys were mentored by local men from our community, including our very own Assistant to the Superintendent Butch Ingram. They learned about responsibility, goal setting, communication, and what positive manhood looks like in and outside of school.

Recently, the boys graduated from the program and received their ties—this time worn proudly as a symbol of their growth and the journey they’ve completed. Dr. Joyner joined the ceremony to speak on the importance of programs like this and to encourage the boys to continue striving for excellence.

This impactful initiative was created by Naomi Boutros, the counselor at Keene Elementary, in collaboration with Amber Logan, the counselor at West Park Place Elementary, where the program is currently being implemented. Both counselors take immense pride in the achievements of the boys and the progress they have made.

Related Story: West Park Place Elementary program aims to give boys male role models (Newark Post)