Throughout the course of a child’s academic life, many needed skills are acquired like learning to read, write, spell and solve mathematical equations that certainly will serve them well in life.

However, as academic curriculums have changed, many practical skills that were taught in each school district like shop and home economics to past generations have simply gone by the wayside in many schools around the country.

It is refreshing to see the Gentleman’s Academy at Ironton Elementary that allows boys who will soon be young men that ability to learn skills like how to properly communicate, shake hands and simply act like a gentleman to others.

And this should be applicable for young women as well.

But in an age where so much of the communication between youth, and many adults, has become nothing more than a text message filled with acronyms in many cases from the next room, these types of programs are something that is sorely needed.

We applaud the efforts of those who were willing to develop and start this program, and hope that this is something that catches on at other schools.

We are certainly fortunate to have several great school districts along with the education opportunities at Collins Career Center filled with quality educators and administrators in Lawrence County who do a wonderful job.

But adding these types of programs to the school districts offerings can enhance the ability of our young people to be successful and reach their potential.