February 25, 2025 - During the week of February 3–8, 2025, Powell Middle School hosted an exciting event called Boys to Men Week. This special week was all about helping young JPS scholars learn important life skills and gain confidence for the future.

The Boys to Men mentoring program organized the event, providing breakfast each day and offering engaging, hands-on sessions. The scholars learned about managing money in a Financial Literacy class, explored their future options in a College Readiness session, practiced tying neck-ties, and even discovered proper dining etiquette.

The week ended with a significant celebration where over 30 young men officially joined the mentoring group and received a blazer to mark their entry into this supportive program. As a special treat, the group visited the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee, to gain insights into the history of the civil rights movement. Afterward, they enjoyed a Memphis Grizzlies basketball game.

Mr. Willie Willis, the program's founder and a 6th-grade math teacher, explained why Boys to Men is so important. "This program does more than teach school subjects. It helps our scholars become responsible leaders who care about their school and community," he said.

The following scholars participated in this memorable week: Markayden Banks, Christian Bracey, Kamarion Body, Mykal Bennett, Jackson Carpenter, Jordan Carson, Keith Coleman, Jayden Craft, Joiden Crawford, Artavis Drummond, Keith Flowers, Cedric Johnson, Jalen Johnson, Jorden Johnson, Kaiden Johnson, Cordarious Harness, Danny Harris, Malik Hill, Davari Holmes, Kinston Humphrey, Amari Henley, Xavier Taylor, Mason Horsman, Aiden Lee, Jayveon Lindsey, Elijah McVay, Tylan Marshall, Jacob Reese, Romarion Seaton, Jayden Thomas, Camron Taylor, Donald Thompson, Javion Wilson, Milton Williams, and De’Shone Woods.

Boys to Men Week was a success, providing scholars with new skills, valuable experiences, and memories to last a lifetime. The program continues to inspire and guide young men toward promising futures as leaders in their communities.