Jonesville Academy Tie Ceremony expected to recognize 80 scholars

Jonesville Academy, a program of nonprofits Boys to Men Leadership Group and For a Real Change, will host its annual Tie Ceremony on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center (SKyPAC) at 3:30 p.m. to recognize up to 80 youth. 

The Tie Ceremony, a traditional event in Boys to Men Leadership Group to recognize the accomplishment of boys and young men, was first held by Jonesville Academy in 2023 to prepare for the Humanitarian Award that the young men (known as scholars) later received from the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Planning Committee for their service during tornado relief. The event continues to acknowledge Jonesville Academy scholars for their service, but also their leadership and academic achievements. Scholars will lead speaking portions of the Tie Ceremony, and they will receive ties or tie clips based on their achievement levels. These awards will be presented to them by community leaders, partners, and mentors known as journeymen and journeywomen.

The 80 Jonesville Academy scholars represent youth in grades 3-9 from 22 schools in five school districts. While most scholars attend schools in Bowling Green Independent School District (BGISD) and Warren County Public Schools (WCPS), scholars also travel from Barren County Public Schools, Ohio County Public Schools, and Russellville Independent Schools to participate in the academy.

Through a partnership with WKU’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, scholars meet every other week during the school year in Gary Ransdell Hall. They extend their weekday learning from educators from BGISD, WCPS, and WKU, thanks to partnerships with both the school districts and academic colleges. 

The event is presented at the SKyPAC thanks to the support from D.C. Clement State Farm Insurance. For more information about the Jonesville Academy, visit jonesvilleacademy.org.