Once a month, a classroom at Portage Northern High School is home to lessons not on math and science but rather on personal growth, leadership and finding one’s purpose.
Led by PPS Assistant Superintendent of Operations Johnny Edwards, the mentoring program is an informal and organic way to lift up the next generation of boys of African descent.
Edwards said at the monthly lunchtime meetings, an influential leader from the community joins the group as a guest speaker to share their personal stories and inspire the young men to one day succeed at their own passions. At this month's meeting, students were joined by Southwest Michigan First Vice President & Chamber Director Clarence Lloyd.
Edwards said as an African American man who benefited from mentors growing up, he is passionate about the opportunity to give back to the young men.
“Growing up, I had individual mentors in my life who all made an investment in me,” Edwards said. “I always felt I had a responsibility to pass that on to the next generation.
"It’s not part of my job, but it’s part of my passion," said Edwards, who is in charge of all non-instructional aspects of PPS including facilities and transportation.
The core values of the group are academics, purpose, relationships and leadership, Edwards said. The boys are a well-rounded group of students, all with differing interests, academic levels and life goals.
“Everyone thinks in order to be a leader, you have to be captain of the team or the boss, but this group teaches these boys you can be a leader right where you are, what you are doing,” he said.
The group also encourages the young men to try their best in the classroom and helps them to “find their why.”
Edwards knows that for many students, finding mentors is difficult for young people.
“This group allows me to bring mentors to the students’ turf,” he said about meeting right on campus. “The influential leaders that look like the students show them that their dreams are realistic goals.”
Ameer Almukahal, a junior at PNHS, said he’s been part of the group since its beginning last year.
“It's been a great experience,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot and grown as a person. It’s great to be around a group of guys just like me, with the same challenges.
“It’s taught me about different career paths and taught me things that I can add to my life,” said Almukahal, who wants to attend college after high school to study finance.
