Class Act and Distinguished Gentlemen, a program that has been around for decades, continues to prepare students for their futures. Also known as “CADG,” this program discusses with students more than after high school but lays out plans and actions beyond that period.
“The goal of this program is to become ladies and gentlemen, to help grow our own characters and distinguish ourselves from others,” Distinguished Gentlemen president Julien Patton said.
Part of distinguishing themselves from others is learning how to act in certain situations. The members of this club become educated on how to handle many different situations.
“The benefits [of] joining this program are that you get a sense of what it's like to be your best self. You learn things that they don't teach you in high school, have deep and meaningful conversations, and overall have the sense that you have a good support group and family behind you, which is why this program is important,” Class Act president India Powell said.
This program also gives high-achieving students a chance to meet other students like themselves. It gives them the chance to discuss what they want to and make their voices heard without having to worry about backlash from it.
“This program impacted me because I've made friends with people I never thought I would have. I have a sense of community and being president of Class Act, I feel a newfound responsibility and leadership being a part of the group. I feel that my opinions are heard and I can share them while hearing others too,” Powell said.
One big reason this club is such an excellent opportunity for students is that it gives them a lot of experience in the real world.
“The people that benefit from this program get a great amount of experience. We get to talk to mentors, artists, and other people we are able to find and talk to, to understand how [important] it is to become a gentleman and a lady working this program,” Patton said.
In this club, people get to do volunteer work with others in the club and do good for their community.
“This program is important to high school students because it can help students who want to learn how to become better people and learn throughout their community, and to help others that need guidance, to help guide them to become better people,” Patton said.