Distinguished Gentlemen of Holladay: Building Leaders with Purpose

Walk around the halls of Holladay Fine Arts Magnet Elementary on any Friday and, intermixed within the students dressed in shorts, jeans, T-shirts and other casual wear, one would come across a group of students in ties and jackets.

They’re known around the school as The Distinguished Gentlemen.

At Holladay, leadership is cultivated early and with intention. The Distinguished Gentlemen program stands as a powerful example of how Holladay seeks to develop character, confidence, and community in our students and artists.

“There are many reasons I love our Distinguished Gentleman program,” Holladay Principal Shakenya Humphries said. “Distinguished Gentleman goes far beyond membership; it's a commitment to excellence and service. We remind students that they can lead by modeling helpfulness, joyful optimism, and concern for others.”

The program was founded at Holladay under the direction of teacher Paublo Pugh and was designed as a male counterpart to the ShePhi step team. The Distinguished Gentlemen were created to provide young men with a structured opportunity to grow as leaders, role models, and contributors to a positive school culture. 

“It is an honor to be part of these young men’s lives, giving them an early start — learning responsibility and leadership both in and out of school,” Pugh said.

To be part of the program, students must be in grades 2-5, demonstrate strong academic effort, exhibit positive behavior and model citizenship, consistently uphold Holladay’s PBIS values (Respect, Optimism, Courage, and Kindness), and show a genuine interest in leadership and service.
For the students part of this program, membership is both an honor and a responsibility.

As Distinguished Gentlemen, duties include: serving as reading buddies and mentors to PreK-1st grade students; provide support and service across campus; model leadership, integrity, and accountability; and participate in community-building and character development activities.

The impact of having the Distinguished Gentlemen on campus is both visible and lasting. School staff say it strengthens a positive school culture, provides younger students with strong role models, reinforces PBIS expectations in authentic, student-led ways, and builds a sense of unity, pride and belonging.

For the students that have taken on the mantle of Distinguished Gentlemen, it has increased their confidence, self-awareness and self-discipline. It has also increased attendance and academic focus with accountability partners. Moreover, it has developed leadership and communication skills, and a deeper understanding of service and responsibility.

“At Holladay, we believe leadership is not something students grow into later; it’s something we nurture now,” Humphries said. “We have Alpha Gents, ShePhi, Ambassadors, and Student Council. Each of these leadership groups adds a different level of support and leadership on our campus. What sets our Distinguished Gentlemen apart is their formal dress on Fridays. While others choose a more casual attire on Fridays, our students dress to impress - serving as a visual reminder of our pride, unity, and excellence. This tradition reinforces the mindset that we finish strong and stay ready.”