First day of school brings mentors and motivation to Bruce Elementary in Macon
100 Black Men of Macon-Bibb greet students and offer words of encouragement
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT-DT) – Monday marked the first day of school for Bibb County students, and at Bruce Elementary, students were welcomed with cheers, high-fives and smiles all thanks to 100 Black Men of Macon Middle Georgia.
The local chapter of the national mentoring organization greeted students at the front door as they entered the building. Garrett Williams, president of the group, said this tradition reflects their long-term commitment to mentorship and academic support.
“Coming out to Bruce Elementary stands true to our mission of mentoring over a lifetime,” Williams said. “But the most important part of this is that we have a very intentional relationship with Bruce Elementary because of Principal Kizzie Lott.”
Williams also offered words of encouragement for students as they begin the new school year.
“Stay confident, trust in the process, listen to your teachers, you have a community that believes in you,” he said.
A focus on the whole child
Principal Lott said partnerships like this are key to the school’s mission of supporting the whole child — academically, emotionally, and socially.
“This year we are completely excited about walking out our vision,” Lott said. “Everything that we do is intentional about cultivating and developing the whole child and meeting any external needs that may be barriers to academic development.”
Lott says having the 100 Black Men on campus was not only inspiring for students but energizing for the entire staff.
“Did you feel the energy?” she said. “Our community partners are where the magic happens; they support teachers, they support students, and they help us close the gaps in areas where there is a need.”
Bruce Elementary’s theme this year is preparing students to “soar above the hurricane”– a metaphor for overcoming challenges and preparing students for the next step in their academic journey and a reference to their future transition to Rutland Middle School.
