Young men at Lakeland High School gained inspiration from the first “Day of Motivation and Encouragement,” held on Dec. 18 by the Cavalier Male Mentoring Program.

The program featured 35 men speaking to about 90 students about the importance of finishing high school and finding a positive path after high school.

“The idea was for these men to have heart-to-heart, man-to-man, real conversations with these young men to give them an idea of what to expect,” said Tina Paul, assistant principal at Lakeland.

The men ranged in age from current college students to retired professionals and featured pastors, educators, military, law enforcement and more.

“It was just a very diverse group,” Paul said. Dr. Stenette Byrd III, director of secondary leadership for Suffolk Public Schools, participated, as did Dr. Thomas Whitley, a former principal at Lakeland.

Students were hand-selected based on a variety of factors, which included grades, attendance and discipline, Paul said. The men were assigned to panels, and students met with the panels in small groups.

Paul said many students at Lakeland are experiencing issues with discipline, attendance, academics and social skills, so they are in need of some extra inspiration.

“We asked prospective mentors to share personal and professional vignettes of success and failure as a tool to connect with our students,” Paul said.

Paul was especially pleased with the performance of about seven students who volunteered to be event facilitators.

“I was so proud of those young men, because it took ownership of their responsibilities, and they just ran with it,” Paul said.

She hopes the students gained inspiration from the event.

“I’m hoping they got how important it is for them to finish high school,” she said. “The idea is for them to get enlightened and get some insight about life.”

Paul said she hopes to be able to repeat the program and expand it. Many of the men have already said they want to come back, she said.

“They want this to be an ongoing event,” she said. “We’re hoping that the program expands a little bit. I’m thrilled with the way the event turned out.”

Paul said the school needs mentors. Only about 10 students in the program currently have mentors.

“The problem has been getting men to commit their time to being mentors,” she said. “I understand everyone’s schedule is hectic.”

Those who want to explore volunteering can visit the Suffolk Public Schools website, www.spsk12.net, click on the “Volunteer Connect” tab and complete the form, specifying “Lakeland High School mentoring program.”