I was once the proud sponsor of a male middle-school mentoring program: The Knights. We met twice a month during school hours, thanks to a very supportive principal, Monica L. Bates, at Highland Oaks Middle School in Memphis. Developed and operated by Dr. Linda Lane, the Social Work Supervisor. Upon my arrival at HO, I was asked to lead the program. Together, with a swell group of men, we made a substantial impact on the lives of over two hundred young boys. These young men were taught behavior management, social etiquette and grooming standards. We introduced them to the smell of black shoe polish. They ironed their white shirts after school and were taught to tie a tie. All the aforementioned was required to be worn at each meeting. We promoted brotherhood and to greet and support one another daily. The group generated topics of discussion, we led lessons in on character, integrity and other essential life-skills. The young men performed as guides at school functions, and were often called upon to take on extra responsibilities throughout the school year. We took our guys to NBA games, the Memphis Grizzlies. Parents chaperoned games and after-school activities: a lot restaurants. The Knights instilled self-discipline and citizenship. The Civil Rights Museum on one visit and a live witness to the penal system and observed several trials in criminal court. One year, our mentees joined forces with their counterparts (The Gems) led by our female faculty and sang songs to their mentors during their ceremony, at the completion of their respective programs. There's so much I've left out because of time and space. Let me suffice it to say that not only were the young men impacted, but all the faculty involved in to making these programs work.