‘Tie Tuesdays’ initiative helps local high school students dress for success, prepare for the future
GEORGETOWN, Del. – “I usually get compliments, so it makes me feel good. It makes me want to dress up more,” McBride-Allen said.
Clarence McBride-Allen is a senior at Sussex Central High School, where a new initiative called ‘Tie Tuesdays’ is changing the lives of students just like him one tie at a time. “It makes me feel like I’m more professional or more in a professional setting. I’m really preparing for my future,” McBride-Allen said.
The idea was birthed by a group of teachers and staff who were looking for ways to establish more positive relationships with students. Paraprofessional and Assistant Basketball Coach Leroy Mann was one of them and said the goal is to give these youngsters an opportunity to be seen in a different light. “Especially the students that have some behavioral issues. Those are the ones I specifically target. If you dress well, you may make a different decision,” Mann said.
“Preparation is what we’re really all about. How can we prepare these kids that are going to be leaving here in four years to be better men?”
A student can walk in without a tie and leave with a full new set including a shirt and pants.
Those participating come from a variety of backgrounds and interest areas, like Clarence who plays basketball. “They just don’t always play basketball, they’re student athletes. Part of being a student is getting a degree and taking that to the next level and making sure you look the part as,” Head Basketball Coach Seab Hopkins said.
Hopkins added that the hope is that students can see themselves in their instructors and believe that they can reach for the stars. “If we look the part and we’re setting the example the right way, they’ll follow us which means that there will be more people that will join the movement,” he said.
What started as just a group of four has now turned into a full movement for the school in just seven weeks. Mr. Mann credits that to the power behind the knot. “The overall aspect of it is the positive outcomes you see from students wanting to do better and be better in here which will then impact them once they leave,” Mann said.
We’re told that dressing up with a tie and other professional clothing is a daily practice for several staff members, helping further that push to get more students involved.
Several other schools are starting up their own programs after seeing the success at Sussex Central including Millsboro Middle School, Indian River High School, and more.
Donations from local parents and organizations are also helping spread the effort.
To donate, you’re asked to contact the school (302) 934-3166 or email leroy.mann@irsd.k12.de.us
