LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Dozens of young men at the W.E.B. DuBois Academy in Louisville were recognized for academic achievement and awarded new bow ties Friday.
Around 300 students in grades 6 thru 8 and proud family members packed the gym of the all-male school.
Twice a year, students who have earned a 3.5 GPA average or higher for the semester are awarded a new bow tie, said Jahi Peake, the school’s assistant principal.
“We actually purchase bow ties for the whole entire school, but we don’t give them out,” he said. “Parents can’t purchase them. They have to be earned, so every student knows the qualifications for that.”
It was a recognition that meant so much to 7th graders Melvin Hughes and Daniel Harrison Shull.
“It feels really good for them to give us this opportunity to excel and give us bow ties and give us rewards for doing what we’re supposed to do in class,” said Hughes, who enjoys studying math and social studies.
“It’s important because it serves as telling you that you’ve done it, that they appreciate you for getting in your work, trying your best, and asking for help, and to keep going so you can come back,” said Shull.
Ashley Chenault and several other supporters came to cheer on 7th grader, Isaiah Beasley.
“We’re feeling pretty proud of him and just kind of excited to see how the rest of this school year’s going to go,” she said. “He’s worked really hard.”
Like other classmates, he hoped to continue his two-year bowtie streak next year.
“I think it’s important for everybody that has deserved academic achievements to be recognized, and as a group,” he said. ”