'Gentlemen' Meet with County Exec at Nantucket

Fifteen young men at Nantucket Elementary School were among the best-dressed in the room on Friday as County Executive Laura Neuman paid a visit. 

The Gentlemen's Group at Nantucket hosted Neuman as part of a lesson on role models and decision-making. 

Neuman gave insight into her path to becoming County Executive, and even asked students some advice on how to best determine which roads to plow first after a snowstorm. 

"Eeeny, meeny, miney, mo," responded one student, triggering a round of laughs. 

The Gentlemen's group was formed last school year by school guidance counselor Todd Stanzione, as a way of assisting students with extra lessons in responsibility and leadership. The students in the group are referred by teachers and meet once weekly every Friday during their lunch period. Usually, they wear shirts and ties.

"Your appearance does matter, and they learn how to carry themselves," Stanzione said. "It's a source of pride, and it holds them accountable a little bit, too."

Other visitors to the Gentlemen's Group this year include members of the county council and school board. They also get visits from high schoolers involved in the Global Citizenship and Community Development signature program. Stanzione also had his former high school basketball coach speak to the group Friday. 

"It's great to have them meet with leaders in the community," he said. "I think it gives them an idea of steps they can take to be successful."