Bethune School Builds a Culture of Excellence, Leadership and Service in New Orleans

Students and Educators Creating a Legacy of Pride and Purpose

As another school year comes to a close in New Orleans, many schools are reflecting on the challenges and successes of the academic year. At Bethune School, the year has been marked by a continued commitment to excellence, leadership, mentorship, and service to the community. Under the leadership of Mrs. Mary Smith, Bethune has become an example of how schools can empower students not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well.

Inside the halls of Bethune, excellence is not simply a slogan — it is a culture rooted in leadership, service, mentorship, and community pride. Students are learning how to excel academically while also becoming compassionate leaders dedicated to uplifting others.

From organizations like Ladies of Destiny and Distinguished Gentlemen, Bethune is a place where young people are encouraged to Dream Big while giving back to the City of New Orleans.

“We teach them that Service is Important,” Mrs. Smith said. “We have built a Culture of Excellence at the school. We are a community, and we model excellence in all things we do.”

That commitment can be seen throughout the campus, where students participate in mentorship programs, leadership organizations, and outreach efforts designed to build confidence, responsibility, and teamwork.

Ladies of Destiny Empowering Young Women

For many young women at Bethune, the Ladies of Destiny Organization has become a source of encouragement and empowerment.

Ja’Nala Horton, President of the Organization, said the group focuses on helping young women grow both personally and academically while serving the community.

“It is an organization helping young women build confidence, skills, and teamwork,” Horton said. “We do several things to help those in need around the City of New Orleans.”

Horton said the organization also reinforces school pride and encourages students to aspire to excellence.

“Ladies of Destiny teaches us to be ourselves, to be kind, and to respect others,” she said. “I want to become a Pediatrician one day.”

She also expressed the importance of adults listening more closely to young people.

“Adults don’t always try to see children inside and out,” Horton explained. “Sometimes we are not seen for our full potential. There are unrealistic expectations at times, and adults should have more of an ear for what students want.”

Katelyn Davis, Coordinator of Ladies of Destiny, said the organization was created to help students feel supported and valued.

“Ladies of Destiny started as a way to bring girls together to build confidence, character, and positive habits,” Davis said. “We want them to feel heard and supported, to learn how to communicate and better themselves, and that carries into their schoolwork, and to know that they can reach their full potential.”

The girls have participated in Food Distribution Efforts for families in need while also visiting high schools and colleges to expose students to future educational opportunities.

Distinguished Gentlemen Inspiring Young Men

Bethune’s commitment to mentorship extends to its male students through the Distinguished Gentlemen Organization.

Mr. Roland Major said the initiative was revived after the COVID-19 Pandemic with strong support from the school’s principal, Mrs. Smith.

“Distinguished Gentlemen was something active before COVID that Mrs. Smith helped bring back to keep young people involved,” Major said. “Young men need some type of male presence to mentor them toward excellence and service.”

Major, who is also a member of a Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, said Distinguished Gentlemen now includes more than 50 young men dedicated to community service and personal growth.

“It gives me happiness to see these young men excited about giving back to the community and shaping themselves into men,” he said.

Tyi Brashears, who served as President of the Distinguished Gentlemen and Student Council this past academic year, said that being part of Distinguished Gentlemen has changed his life.

“It helps develop our character and traits to make us better as we grow into young men,” Brashears said. “We recently gave back to the homeless, and we’ve also gone on field trips that included visiting colleges.”

Brashears also spoke candidly about the pressures many young men of color face.

“The streets are not good for young men of color,” he said. “Sometimes people think it’s not cool to help others or be intelligent, but these organizations show us something different.”

Brashears hopes to one day work as a photography and videography for the NBA and NFL, capturing athletes and major sporting events.

Bethune: A Culture of Educational Excellence and Service

At Bethune School, educators and students alike are proving that leadership is built through service, mentorship, and belief in young people’s potential. Together, they continue to build a legacy rooted in excellence, determination, and hope — soaring like eagles.