Marcus Scott has guided Destrehan High School to numerous victories on the football field, and even a state championship.
But for Scott, the wins and the accolades come secondary to the role that’s far more important to him – that of a mentor.
And that’s why recently, Scott and Destrehan High put into action an idea that’s long been on his mind. The very first session of “Man School,” where the focus is on teaching Wildcat players valuable life lessons to help them evolve into better men, students, teammates and community members.
In prior years, be it at Destrehan or elsewhere in his coaching career, Scott had put aspects of the Man School program into practice, but this month saw the first official event bring all of the elements together.
Scott said the plan is to hold the event twice a year, expanding it going forward to include Harry Hurst Middle School and Albert Cammon Middle School players as well.
“This program has kind of been my baby for several years now, and this year we finally have had the chance to get it off the ground and started,” Scott said. “We’re going to see where we can go from here, expanding and building upon it. This is about life. Football is a tool to teach about those skills that you use throughout your life.”
Man School focuses on six different components: etiquette, time management, community service, conflict resolution, female awareness and financial literacy.
“It’s important that we make sure kids have basic life skills … being respectful. Having a strong work ethic,” Scott said. “And being able to do the basic things – balancing a checkbook. Making important decisions in your relationships. Becoming an entrepreneur, if that’s something you want to do. These are important things they need to know by the time they leave us (at Destrehan).
“They’re still going to make mistakes, because they’re still going to be young, but we can try to set a foundation for them going forward, in conjunction with their parents.”
Community members with expertise in the subjects comprising the day’s focus spoke to the students.
Darren Vinnett, an entrepreneur and St. Charles Parish resident, spoke to the team about the importance of financial literacy. Jane Chauvin, a DHS parent and an attorney for over 22 years in St Charles Parish spoke to the team about domestic violence. And Gilbert George, a student advocate for St. Charles Parish Public Schools, spoke to the team about conflict resolution.
Each speaker presented for 10 to 15 minutes before taking questions.
“I think having people from our community really adds to the level of importance for our kids,” Scott said. “I think when they see we’re bringing in a speaker on a topic, they understand that OK, this is really important, it’s something we should listen to.”
He believes it can often be taken for granted what a young person knows about basic life skills.
“We can’t assume that a kid knows how to tie a tie or change a tire,” Scott said.
Teaching how to change a tire is one lesson Scott recalls imparting to players in the past.
“I’d do certain parts of this with our guys, but we’ve never done it on this scale, with the number of topics and the guest speakers,” Scott said. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a while.”
The past few years have allowed for little chance. The 2020 pandemic and 2021 hurricane eliminated those years as options. In 2023, Scott was in need of a new kidney – a hope that was delivered on late last year in the form of a successful transplant.
“This year we were able to get settled in enough to plan on getting it done,” Scott said.
The next session is planned for the spring.
“It’s important for us as adults to understand that kids are gonna make mistakes. They need guidance,” Scott said. “Whenever a bad choice is made, it’s incumbent on us as adults and leaders to step in and try to impart those skills that can keep them out of negative situations.
“The key to all of this is to try and make sure we’re producing well-rounded young men, and not just football players.”
