At Petal High School, there’s a group of young men who meet with a shared understanding: this space is different. It’s not about grades or test scores, but about growth, accountability, and becoming the kind of man others can depend on. What’s this program, you ask? Well, it’s The Iron Men program.

The Iron Men program was created to support all PHS male students by providing mentorship, purpose, and meaningful connections that help them grow into the young men they are capable of becoming. Through small-group mentorship, honest conversations, and hands-on experiences, Iron Men gives these students a place to learn life skills, build character, and develop confidence in a supportive environment.

Each month, students gather for power lunches that spark discussion about values, perseverance, and responsibility. Leadership meetings challenge them to reflect on their choices and step into accountability. Life skill projects—from how to play chess, how to change a tire, building projects, and even financial literacy—teach patience, problem-solving, and focus. Quarterly community events push them to look beyond themselves and learn what it means to serve others. With the help of grant funding from The Petal Education Foundation, Iron Men is equipped with books, instructional videos, and hands-on materials that turn lessons into real-life learning.

The program is led by Petal School District At-Risk Coordinator Mandy Lyon, alongside a strong group of male mentors made up of teachers, coaches, school resource officers, and building and district-level administrators. Reflecting on the program’s impact, Lyon shared, “I’m grateful for what the Iron Men program has become at Petal High School. It’s been amazing to see how it has given our young men opportunities to strengthen their character, build supportive relationships, and learn life skills that will carry over into life after high school.”

The idea for Iron Men grew out of success. After launching Tea & Talk, a similar small-group mentorship program for girls, the positive impact was undeniable. Seeing the growth, confidence, and connection formed in the program for girls sparked a question: What about our boys? With inspiration from conversations, stories, and a clear need for positive male role models, Iron Men was born. From the very beginning, the heart of the program has been relationships—men investing in young men to foster a culture that helps shape their futures.

Iron Men matters because the years spent in high school are critical. Young men are searching for identity, purpose, and direction, often while facing challenges that feel overwhelming. This program is designed to meet them where they are and walk with them forward. It teaches coping strategies, resilience, and the importance of doing the right thing even when it’s hard.

The ultimate goal of Iron Men isn’t just to mentor students today—it’s to create leaders for tomorrow. Young men who will carry these lessons with them, stand strong in their values, and one day invest in others the same way someone once invested in them.