It’s a program that teaches boys in middle and high school how to grow up to be mature, successful, assets to the community.

Tennyson Middle School Behavioral Aid Jeremy Davis is only 23-years-old but he’s passing on what he knows about school, life, dealing with others, and how to present himself in the most respectful way.

Last February he started Mentor Waco, a mentoring program for boys from 6th to 12th grades.

He had seven boys.

Now he has a group of 22.

A product of East Waco, Davis said he wanted to help put kids on the right path after seeing so many take the wrong path.

Wednesday his group of boys came to school dressed in suits, ties, dress shoes, tie clips, and handkerchiefs.

It was “We can do both day” where they could show how they have learned how to be appropriate in both casual and business settings, and look the part.

J’meris Davis, 13, said “We dress up because people think just because we’re in a mentoring group, he picked us because we are bad. But, we can show them that we’re not. We’re good kids and we can dress up quite good too.”

Looking good is not what the group is all about.

They hit the books hard.

Davis said he has certified teachers who spend several hours tutoring the students after school.

He said they also have local businesses teaching the boys a trade, about plumbing, auto mechanics, and electrically work.

They serve the community by spending time at nursing homes serving the residents and learning a few valuable lessons from older generations.

Davis said each time the group meets he can see their characters evolve and grades improve.

“We went from low C’s and failing grades to almost A’s and B’s from most of them. The behavior has improved tremendously in class and we’ve been able to see a change socially and intellectually from the boys so far.

Davis’ boss, Assistant Principal John Johnston, seemed impressed with the progress he’s making.

He said, “The grades are more on point than they have been all three years they’ve been here. Seeing that and the data you can’t dispute it.”

Johnston and Davis said they had mentors growing up.

Johnston said, he sees the difference between a volunteer who spends an hour a week with mentees, and one who spends much more time.

He said the latter is more impactful for the child.

He said it’s not uncommon to see Davis working the with boys during and after school, on the weekends, and hosting outings for them if they show improvement.

“I think that what he’s doing is the most wrap-around mentor service I’ve ever seen. What he’s doing is the most spectacular version of mentorship I’ve ever seen.”

The boys have grown closer becoming more of a brotherhood.

They each seem to understand being positive pays off.

Not only with camping trips and campus bucks to buy items at school, but a much bigger reward.

Kaiden Turner, 15, has been in the program for a full year.

He said, “It’s so important because you know it can lead to good things in life so you can be successful.”

It has been a full day for the boys.

They went through mock interviews.

Tonight, the group held a dinner where they displayed their good etiquette and listened to a guest speaker, Officer Stan Mason who is a veteran of the Waco Police Department.

Davis does have another man who helps with the boys but is also looking for others to volunteer.

The program is not only for Tennyson Middle Schoolers, others can join.

Also, the organization is also looking to create a group for girls in 2020.

—- KWTX