Baldwin Middle School Students ‘Tie into Excellence’ During Empowerment Ceremony

In today’s world,  young men face increasing pressures from social media, television programs, and even their own social circles to conform to certain appearances and behaviors, which can negatively impact their mental health and self-esteem. To help guide them through these often-daunting years, Baldwin Middle School’s “Young Men of Excellence” was initiated as a way to nurture boys, grades 6-8, into exemplary men of professionalism, leadership, and character. Since its inception in September of 2023, the extracurricular program has had a profound effect on the lives of students, as well as the school and community.

“Middle school is an incredibly impressionable time for young men — the experiences they have during these years often shape the course of their young adult lives,” explained Dr. Erica Taylor, principal of Baldwin Middle School. “It is essential that we fill their hearts and minds with the tools of ambition, strong character, and emotional intelligence. My mission has been to surround them with men who embody these qualities, so they may grow into the best versions of themselves.”

Brotherhood and Camaraderie

Most recently, the Baldwin Middle School program held its inaugural “Tie into Excellence”—an empowerment ceremony featuring a series of male speakers, who provided  motivational advice to the young men of Baldwin. The guest speakers included notable professionals who shared their personal journeys and the wisdom they’ve acquired along the way.

The event kicked off with Johnathan Harewood, a Baldwin alumni and guidance counselor intern at Baldwin Middle School. The essence of his message was simple yet powerful: “Keep going. Each new day brings new opportunities, and with them, the chance to achieve a better outcome,” he said.

Mr. Anthony Mignella, the assistant superintendent for instruction for Baldwin Union Free School District, helped facilitate the event. He emphasized the importance of making wise decisions and taking advantage of the support system around them, especially since Baldwin is a wonderful community, he said. “You have the power to make good decisions.”

Bryant K. Postell, a highly successful entrepreneur, caught the attention of the students with his story of imagination and resilience. His latest ventures include the acclaimed Prime 39 steakhouse and Prime on the Mile. Bryant emphasized the importance of dreaming big and learning from failures, and how his initial visions of playing for the NBA helped prepare him for other career paths even though he never made it as a professional ball player. 

“Logic will take you from point A to point B, but imagination will take you anywhere,” he explained. “If you try something and ‘fail,’ it’s not a failure but a learning experience.” Bryant is a firm believer that you are better off trying than living with regret. 

Tyrone Greaves shared his story of overcoming adversity after facing his own challenges, having grown up in a ‘tough’ neighborhood and suffering from a sports injury that ruined any chance of playing professional basketball, despite his raw talent. From a standout athlete to a successful operations manager at PepsiCo, Tyrone's journey exemplifies the power of perseverance. He recounted how he transitioned from a promising basketball career to business leadership, managing significant operations and giving back to his community through charitable involvement. He also reminded the students about the importance of academics.

“Your friends may change, but you will have your studies.” He went on to point out that you will come across people in your life who will try to tell you what you cannot accomplish. “You then say, “I can, and I will show you!” he exclaimed.

Eric Banks, a dedicated physical education teacher in the Westbury Union Free School District, shared his experiences as both an athlete and a mentor, also urging the middle schoolers to prioritize their studies and to choose their friends wisely. He illustrated his encouraging words in a dynamic exercise using a resistance rope and two students, who showed that they can pull one another when they tried hard enough. He then inspired the two dozen pre-teens in the room to recite in unison, “My struggles prepared me for success…I am built to bounce back…I believe in myself, I am enough, I am smart, I am courageous…”

Eric also discussed the importance of integrity and character, encouraging the young men to do the right thing even when no one is watching and to always strive to reach higher levels.

‘Tying’ into Excellence

To symbolize their transition into adulthood, the boys were each presented with either a blue or gold necktie, donated by 8th grade dean, Michael Levine. Mr. André Poprilo, director of fine and performing arts for Baldwin UFSD, spoke about the significance of the accessory. “The tie is more than just a piece of clothing, it is a powerful symbol of growth. It represents a rite of passage, a step forward into maturity, leadership, and purpose,” he said. 

Other participating mentors there were Ralph Hernandez, head of security for Baldwin UFSD; Michael Butler, social studies supervisor for Baldwin UFSD; and Ron Woodall, Baldwin Middle School guidance counselor. Each of the guest speakers and male mentors bestowed a tie upon each Baldwin student, following with an in-person tutorial on how to master the art of tying their new accessory.

The collective message was clear: struggles are steppingstones to success. Indeed, these adolescent boys stepped away from the ceremony feeling taller, stronger, and more confident.