With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, a quiet buzz of anticipation fills the halls of LHS. It’s not just about the red roses or heart-shaped chocolates; it’s about embodying the qualities of a true gentleman, a concept that may seem old-fashioned to some but remains timeless for others. Let’s dive into the heart of LHS to discover what it truly means to be a gentleman, as seen through the eyes of our very own teachers.
Anne Lembcke, special education teacher at LHS, believes that the essence of being a gentleman is following through with what you want to do. It would be disappointing if an individual made plans and then abruptly canceled them without a valid reason.
“Follow through. If you invite someone to do something, you’re going to do it. If you’re gonna ask someone on a date, you’re going to follow through. If you say, ‘Hey, let’s do this,’ follow through with it,” stated Lembcke.
Mason Kittleson, social studies teacher at LHS, considers himself a gentleman and has some insight and advice for teenage boys on how to achieve being a gentleman.
“The advice that I’d give to teenagers is that sometimes we often judge other students because they act differently than us or they might have different interests. I think being a gentleman in a scenario like that would be someone who respects others and their differences. Someone who respects their dignity, someone who doesn’t try to embarrass or belittle another person, but rather lift them up by being positive,” said Kittleson.
Amy Jelinek, our final teacher at LHS, believes that empathy is a key quality to being a gentleman—someone who understands the importance of advocating for respect and consistently avoiding any behavior that could embarrass or be rude to others.
“You shouldn’t be afraid to be yourself, although I see why sometimes. Students are here because there’s a lot of joking and teasing that goes on. So you need to be able to be vulnerable and honest. And that would require having a sense of humor without criticizing or teasing anyone,” stated Jelinek.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, let it serve as a reminder that being a gentleman is about more than just good manners; it’s about making a positive impact on the lives around us. Be true to yourself, honor your commitments, and always be an advocate for respect and kindnes
