The Distinguished Men of Honor Program at Fallstaff Elementary/
Middle School is more than just a monthly tradition—it’s a powerful movement to instill respect, responsibility, and leadership in young men. Spearheaded by School Registrar Lisa Wilson and fiercely backed by principal Dr. Cedric Smith, the program encourages male-identifying staff to dress in formal wear once a month and engage with students through activities like reading aloud to the class. The program promotes confidence and self-esteem by creating an environment where students can see their educators, role models, and peers dressed with distinction. Through this initiative, students are learning that how they present themselves can profoundly influence how they feel, how they act, and how they are perceived by others. Young men are encouraged to carry themselves as individuals of honor—both within the school and their communities.
The Power of Appearance: A Reflection of Self-Respect
At the heart of the Distinguished Men of Honor movement is the belief that when you look good, you feel good. “We want them to be good humans,” said Joseph White II, a 7th and 8th-grade math teacher and basketball coach. By dressing in formal wear, staff members show students that being well-dressed is about more than appearance—it reflects personal respect. For students like Amari J., a 6th grader, dressing up for the event felt like stepping into a more dignified version of himself. These moments of pride and self-respect have a lasting impact on the students, reinforcing their self-worth and potential,
“This version of me is for important events,” Amari said, comparing the moment to wearing formal attire to attend church or a wedding.
Student Engagement: Leading by Example
The program encourages students to step into leadership roles themselves. Amari and Christopher M., an 8th grader, participated in a recent day’s event by reading to younger students, helping them develop their reading skills. For Christopher, the experience was about more than just helping others:
“I think it’s beneficial for us as older kids to walk them through it,” Christopher said, acknowledging the responsibility of being an upperclassman. “We should help them learn how to get to where we are now.”
The Impact of Community Support
The program’s success also depends on the generosity of the community. Wilson encourages local businesses and community members to partner with the school and provide formal wear donations for students who may not have access to them. This support ensures that every student, regardless of background, can participate in the program and feel confident in their appearance. As Ms. Wilson remarked,
“We want our young men to feel and act like they are dressed—respectful, esteemed, and valued,” Wilson explained.
Expanding the Vision: The Elite Ladies of Honor
In January, the program will expand to include female students with the launch of the “Elite Ladies of Honor” initiative. Just as the male students dress up and engage with younger students, female students will have the opportunity to dress with pride and interact with influential women from the community. This expansion will help cultivate a culture of honor and respect for all students, reinforcing that leadership and self-respect are values everyone can embody.
The Lasting Impact: Building a Stronger Community
The Distinguished Men of Honor Program is shaping the future by helping students see themselves as leaders and role models. Christopher reflected,
“I feel a certain responsibility… sometimes my friends don’t do the right thing. I want them to do better and achieve their goals just like my family wants what's best for me.,” said Christopher, reflecting on his role as an 8th grader.
Mr. White emphasizes that leadership is about consistency in everyday actions: attending school, doing the right thing, and being a positive example. As both Amari and Christopher noted, their participation in the program has inspired them to be better versions of themselves, setting the stage for future success.
“He [Mr. White] wants us to do good for us and everybody else,” Christopher said, underscoring the program’s broader goal of fostering responsible, compassionate leaders.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Leadership and Respect
This initiative is helping students embrace their potential, not just as learners but as leaders. Through the guidance of educators like Mr. White and the community's support, the program encourages students to dress with pride, act with integrity, and engage with their peers in 
meaningful ways. This cycle of positive influence will shape the leaders of tomorrow, reinforcing the values of respect, responsibility, and community that are essential to success in school and life.
“He [Mr. White] has a good impact on us, so we have a good impact on the other kids,” Amari said.