Tyler Klebowski sat and munched on pizza but it was the message and mission he really devoured.
Klebowski, 16, was one of about 60 people – students, parents, teachers, education administrators and others – who attended Plant City’s Young Gentlemen’s Academy Community Event April 11.
The Young Gentlemen’s Academy (YGA) is a new non-profit organization equipping young men with the life skills to succeed academically, socially and personally. It’s currently open to young men from sixth to twelfth grades, but may open to females in the future.
Founded by Darrell Smith in April 2022, the mission of the YGA is to help develop futures through programs that “instill confidence, promote effective communication, develop conflict resolution abilities, foster leadership qualities and emphasize the importance of giving back to the community,” according to the YGA website.
At the 5 p.m. community event at The Crossing Church, 507 S. Wheeler St., about 60 boys, girls, parents, teachers, school administrators and their guests got to learn more about the new outreach organization.
During a presentation, Smith — a Plant City native and 1988 graduate of Plant City High School – discussed the role of the YGA and its premise and plans within the community. Standing in front of a slide presentation in the church social hall, he said he hoped the YGA would be a transformative group for some.
“I grew up right here in Plant City, so very much, when I see young people…I see a younger version of myself and the same challenges they’re facing, we faced,” he said, before thanking his father and mother, George and Josephine Smith and stepmother, Mary Jo Smith, for being his mentors. “This is where my beginnings started.”
Smith, who lives in Riverview, said the YGA’s mission to help young men face challenges is through “empowerment,” “opportunities” and having a “strong support system.”
Behind Smith, presentation slides informed guests about YGA’s “empowering through action,” how people can contribute to the cause and “The pillars of YGA,” – leadership, character development, academic excellence and community service.
Joining Smith in the presentation were YGA Vice-President Derek Carmen, Lisa James, principal of Apopka Memorial Middle School, Crossing Church Pastor Michael Pippen and Constance Mitchell, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) coordinator, teacher and basketball coach at Durant High School.
“That’s what I like the most, the career opportunities they’re providing,” said Mitchell. “Kids need more mentors and we need to have more mentors to lead them in the right direction.”
Smith said he and YGA mentors meet with student members at schools for an hour to an hour and a half two times a month. During those sessions, they may discuss conflict resolution, team building, public speaking and proper personal presentation. He said he often visits Title 1 schools with a high percentage of “at-risk” students and holds 60-minute motivational group sessions, immersive one-day programs and an eight-month program for schools.
“Hopefully, they’ll want to become and be part of the program. I’m hoping with all the (YGA) resources, they’ll be able to land a job, go to college or develop a trade,” he said.
At the conclusion of the YGA Community Event, Klebowski continued to munch on his pizza. He said he felt the YGA’s focus on mentorship was one of its key points and helping members “find what they’re good at.”
“I think it will help them find their places in society and in the future, help them reach their goals, said the Durant High School junior.
Smith also started a YGA chapter in Orlando in 2022.
For information on the Young Gentlemen’s Academy, see www.younggentlemenacademy.org or call (813) 495-3267.