Male mentors at Eunice Junior High School recognized at School Board meeting

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Eunice Junior High School’s male mentors were recognized at the St. Landry Parish School Board meeting Thursday.
Quitin Doyle and Chad Lemelle were honored by Superintendent Patrick Jenkins for their volunteer efforts at the school.
Principal Dwanetta Scott said two represent Dads and Kids, which includes adult males who make themselves available at the school.
“I just asked for their presence,” she said of the men who were requested to be at the school on its first day of school last year.
“... and it was a wonderful sight to see so many grown individuals, grown men, professional men dressed very nicely around hallways speaking to our kids, asking them about their future goals. It was a very positive experience,” Scott said.
“That was just the beginning of something beautiful because the impact that their presence has had on my campus is tremendous and I commend it,” she said.
The principal said she wanted a sign in front of the school and other improvements, and the men made it happen by gathering sponsors.
Top students are entered a monthly drawing and the men have awarded two tablets a month since September.
The men helped at a forum recently to inform the public about drug dangers, online predators and depression.
“Their focus is on the whole individual, not just about giving their finances or resources,” she said.
Jenkins challenged other parents to do the same at other schools in the parish.
“The challenge has been started,” he said.
Doyle is a Eunice Police officer and Lemelle is an education supervisor in Acadia Parish.