Honorable MENtion Curriculum

The Honorable Mention Curriculum  — Created by Khristopher Fields

Because Recognition Isn’t the Goal—It’s the Gateway

Before a young man can pursue honor, he must first be shown that honor exists for people like him.

In far too many communities, young men are not taught to value integrity, service, or leadership. They’re taught to chase attention, applause, and status—most often from the streets, from social media, or from a stage. Not because they’re misguided, but because no one ever taught them what real honor looks like—or how it's earned.

They’ve seen rappers get fame. They’ve seen hustlers get respect. But they've rarely seen a young man get a city proclamation, a presidential award, or a letter of commendation from a U.S. congressman. They admire the loudest images because those are the only ones visible.

The Honorable MENtion Curriculum interrupts that cycle.

 It doesn’t just expose students to new forms of recognition—it teaches them how to assign value to the right ones.

This is a transformational learning experience designed to shift what young men admire, aspire to, and ultimately pursue. It opens their eyes to a full spectrum of formal and informal honors—not as vanity, but as visible proof of character, contribution, and calling.

We begin by helping them recognize that honor is not something you wait to receive—it’s something you grow into.

 Even being mentioned is a mark of progress. And in this space, we tell them:

You may not have the award yet—but you’re already worth the mention.

From there, we guide students to explore and understand the ecosystem of recognition across sectors—academic, civic, corporate, and cultural:

• Certificates of Achievement – Reinforcing that progress deserves to be seen

• Fellowships – Where prestige meets purpose and opportunity.

• Medals – Honoring service, sacrifice, or impact.

• Titles & Honors – From “Youth Ambassador” to “Community Hero,” these shape identity.

• Honor Rolls / Dean’s Lists – Consistent excellence gets cumulative respect.

• Trophies / Plaques – Tangible legacies of effort.

• Recognition by Elected Officials – Teaching students how power validates purpose.

• Letters of Commendation – Showing how others’ words can open doors.

• Naming Rights & Dedications – Instilling the power of legacy-based living.

• Press Features & Media Spotlights – Making integrity go public.

• Congressional & Gubernatorial Honors – Among the highest forms of recognition a citizen can receive, these commendations represent public trust, civic contribution, and leadership with national or statewide impact.

• Grants – Financial awards given to support purpose-driven work, innovation, or community service, often signaling trust in a person’s vision and capacity.

• Scholarships – Merit-based or need-based recognition that opens doors to higher education and affirms academic promise and potential.

• Digital Credentials & Badges – Relevant recognition in the modern skill economy.

• Honorary Degrees – Conferred by universities to honor extraordinary contributions to society, these degrees reflect lifetime impact, thought leadership, and transformational service.

Through story-based learning, live examples, and hands-on exposure to these honors, students are not only taught what to reach for, but why it matters. They’re shown how to build a life that commands recognition—not through flash, but through faithfulness.

This is not about chasing awards.

 It’s about understanding that recognition is a tool—a way to be seen, to build trust, to elevate your future, and to honor where you’ve been.

Because before the world crowns you, you must learn to carry yourself like someone already worthy of being honorably mentioned.

 This is where that journey begins