As the boys took turns looking in the enormous mirrors propped in the front of Beech Hill Elementary School’s cafeteria, they may not have recognized the person looking back at them.
The approximately 90 fifth-grade boys at Beech Hill recently received neckties as part of the school’s “Tied to Brightness” celebration and many said it was the first time that they had ever worn a tie.
Looking in the mirrors, the students adjusted their ties, smiled and jokingly deepened their voices to reflect their new, more mature appearance.
“Tied to Brightness” was organized by school personnel to provide the students an opportunity to form a bond with a member of the community who could assist them in their evolution to becoming young men.
More than 45 men from the community, comprised of the students’ family members, district personnel, state troopers and local politicians, presented the students with ties to commemorate the education the students received at Beech Hill.
Principal Rene Harris tried to fight back tears as she addressed the students and community members at the beginning of the event.
“We have a multitude of great role models here to help our boys know that, as they get ready to go to middle school and beyond, someone cares about you and is behind you in every decision you make,” Harris said. “I’m so proud of each and every one of you.”
After breakfast, during which the students and their mentors discussed topics such as demonstrating leadership and the importance of respecting one’s peers, each mentor presented the student with a necktie, many of which came from the volunteers’ own wardrobe.
The event was a significant moment in the lives of the soon-to-be middle school students, said Wally Baird, assistant principal.
“It’s important that our students think about their transition to becoming young men,” Baird said. “We want this to be a defining moment in the lives of these boys and for them to see that someone believes in them.”
This was the first time that the school held the celebration and both Harris and Baird, who are working with school personnel to plan a comparable experience for the fifth-grade girls, are hopeful it will become an annual event.
“The learning these students do in the classroom is of course important, but we hope events such as this will create memories that the students will carry with them for the rest of their lives,” Baird said.
Lance Cpl. Bob Beres, one of the “Tied to Brightness” volunteers, said he appreciated the opportunity to serve as a mentor to the students.
“It’s always great when you have a chance to be a positive influence on the kids in the community and what better place to do that than at a school,” Beres said.
Toward the celebration’s conclusion, Beech Hill student Matthew Strobel continued to examine and straighten his tie – still smiling well after having been presented with the tie.
“This has been a fun morning and I’ve had a good time,” Strobel said before glancing at his tie once again. “And I think I look good.”

Contact Michael Tannebaum at 873-9424 ext. 215 or mtannebaum@journalscene.com