'Guys With Ties' program impacting lives
PICKERINGTON, Ohio (WSYX) — It's about learning manners.
"My name is Coach Jordan, I like your glasses," Coach Jordan said as he shook the hand of every boy in his program.
Former wide receiver and now assistant Buckeye coach Devin Jordan believes manners are the foundation for giving these kids an edge as they build leadership skills.
"I think it's very important just to have a really good male leadership," Jordan said. "Some of the boys right now, I think it's a tough time for boys growing up, and we need to find a way to fill in the gaps for kids to teach them soft skills."
Jordan is the leader of the "Guys with Ties" program.
Every boy in the class is wearing a tie. It's meant to make them "Feel Good and Do Good."
"Yay, I like wearing ties. How does it make you feel when you wear a tie? Like a man," Kameron Perry said.
The nine-year-old says he's learned not only how to properly shake someone's hand, but it's teaching him much more than that.
"It's teaching me how to be a gentleman," he said.
Right now, five schools in Central Ohio are taking part in the "Guys with Ties" program.
MORE | "Guys with Ties" get first hand look at Ohio State football practice
This one is with the third graders at Violet Elementary School.
They are learning how to be considerate and thoughtful.
"Treat people the way you want to be treated," Perry said.
New this year is the "Girls with Pearls" program.
"Similar to the guys, we want to teach them to have confidence and empower them to be whatever they want to be in life," Jordan said.
He says this set the groundwork to help keep kids on a successful path.
If you'd like more information about the program, click here.
Jordan told ABC 6/ FOX 28 they are always looking to bring the program to even more schools.
