All throughout elementary school, students are taught, with the help of the six pillars, that character counts. However, in high school, students have composed a sufficient substitute. The Gentlemen’s club provides a unique experience for young men and women at Pleasant Valley. The membership consists of students who are interested in improving the integrity of PV’s hallways.
When the seniors were freshman, Gentlemen’s club had disbanded at the end of the year. Three years later, many seniors are excited to join. Varun Vedula, is one of the seniors eager to participate in the club. According to him, there are many reasons to join Gentlemen’s club. “I really enjoy the discussion we have, being able to talk about things civilly, and being able to learn things that a gentleman would do.”
There are several activities that will take place in Gentlemen’s club over the year. The clubs advisor, Don Fry, described that there are several types of activities that would take place at a regular meeting. “There’s the learning aspect, I think that’s a big part of it. Having symposiums on healthy political debates, or how to engage in a relationship as a gentleman or a gentlelady,” he said. “Then there’s the recreational part of it where I think it’s just fun to get together and get a community.”
However, Gentlemen’s club isn’t just a PV matter. One of the club’s goals is to have a lasting impact on the community. Fry said, “We would do charitable activities to raise money, and then we’d give money to a home in Rock Island or Davenport.” It is evident that giving back is one of the most important aspects of Gentlemen’s club.
It is a common misconception to think that Gentlemen’s club is all fun and games, but after just one meeting, students will quickly recognize the club’s meaningful and positive impacts on it’s members. “I would like to see Gentlemen’s club be a presence that creates an air of civility, integrity, and respect,” said Fry. “Just by having people be role models of that.”
Gentlemen’s club will next meet on Jan. 4 at 2:45, all students are invited and encouraged to attend.
