Men of Distinction Newsletter

The Men of Distinction (M.O.D.) is a group of
young men at Essex Intermediate School who
are making efforts to become leaders of their
own lives and within their local community.
M.O.D. was established under the direction of
assistant principal Mr. Sinclair Harris, Mr. Steve
Sipula, the 8th grade Physical Science teacher,
and local community members, Mr. Michael
Stewart (EHS alum c/o ’02) and Mr. Bryan
Wallace (EHS alum c/o ’07).
When it comes to community involvement, M.O.D.
is at the forefront. The organization, in conjunction
with Student Leaders, conducted a school-wide
Thanksgiving Day food drive which led to a
donation of 500+ food items to Beale Memorial
Baptist Church.

The goal of the mentorship program is to teach

select young men at EIS the importance of
making positive contributions to the community
while preparing for high school, college and a
meaningful life beyond their postsecondary
educational experiences. In doing so, the group
engages in various school and community
service projects, participates in important life
skills sessions including financial literacy and
college & career planning.

The month of November is recognized as

American Diabetes Month. Throughout the
month, the members of M.O.D. conducted a
school-wide fundraiser in an effort to raise
awareness about the disease, including providing
weekly announcements of facts about diabetes
and the selling gray ribbons during lunch.
Students and staff at Essex Intermediate showed
their support by purchasing donation ribbons
which were signed and posted throughout the
school. M.O.D. was able to raise 85.00 which
went to the American Diabetes Association on
behalf of the organization and the school.
 Men of Distinction Newsletter

On May 3rd, the Men of Distinction and the ladies of

L.O.V.E. traveled to Norfolk for a tour of Norfolk
State University. Upon arrival, they were met by
members of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity who gave
them a tour of the campus and answered questions
about college admissions requirements, campus life,
and extracurricular activities. Among the facilities
visited were the NSU’s new $42 million state-of-the-
art Dr. Lyman Beecher Brooks Library and Dick Price
Stadium.

Members of the Pi Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi

Phi Fraternity, Inc. provide a tour of Norfolk State
University’s campus.

MΩ∆
Motto - Training up a child in the way he
should go...
Mission – To build the foundation of a man
- Members Dioje and D’Shaun pictured through education, service, and
by a sculpture of Dr. Lyman Beecher Brooks. Dr.
Brooks served as a former president of Norfolk brotherhood
State University and as a former Essex County
Schools administrator.
In December, M.O.D. members showed their
commitment to the community yet again by
participating in the Essex County Christmas
parade. Representing Essex Intermediate
School, M.O.D. waved and tossed out candy to
local community members. M.O.D. members practice tying various
types of necktie knots.

Each week, the members participate in the

“Dress for Success Day” initiative where they
dress in shirt and tie. This initiative is an effort
to teach the members appropriate dress and to
help them gain a better understanding of the
importance of maintaining a positive, business-
like appearance.
MONTH DAY YEAR VOL 1 ISSUE 1