Aug 8

Aug 8 A National Treasure: The Lasting Impact of Mr. Donnie Holt's Males Only Service Club

In today's complex world, a young man's journey to adulthood often requires more than just the guidance of a parent. Sometimes, it takes a special kind of mentor—someone who can reach a young man in a different way. I was one of those young men who needed that extra guidance, and I found it at Lexington Senior High School through a club that would change my life: the Males Only Service Club.

Holt doing what he does best lecturing.

The club was led by Mr. Donnie Holt, a man who would later become the retired Director of Student Services for Lexington City Schools. At the time, he was simply "Mr. Holt," a mentor who believed in the potential of every young man he met. Through his club, he taught us invaluable lessons that went beyond the typical classroom. He believed in the importance of faith and would take us to church, teaching us that a strong moral compass was essential for a man. But his guidance wasn't limited to the spiritual. He also brought us to Wake Forest football games, showing us that mentorship could be fun and engaging. More importantly, he would often call just to check in, a simple act that made a world of difference.

Mr. Holt’s mentorship was all about building character. He constantly instilled in us the importance of doing the right thing, even when no one was watching. I can still hear him telling me, "Thomas, you don't always have to get the last word; sometimes just be a good listener." This was a foundational lesson in humility and respect. He went the extra mile to prepare us for the world. He hired someone to teach us proper restaurant etiquette, a skill many of us had never been exposed to. We learned how to set a dinner table, distinguishing a soup spoon from a salad fork, and understanding that these small details mattered.

Beyond these life skills, Mr. Holt’s ministry of service was a cornerstone of the club. He consistently found community service work for us to do, believing that giving back was a fundamental part of a man's character. Through these experiences, he taught us the value of contributing to our community and the satisfaction that comes from selfless acts.

Observing how others treated Mr. Holt was a lesson in itself. Everywhere he went, he was met with nothing but respect—from colleagues, students, and even strangers. When I asked him what his secret was, he humbly replied, "Thomas, first you got to want it for yourself," adding that "how people see you is how they will treat you." He preached that presentation was everything, a belief I hold dear to this day. Mr. Holt is a walking book of knowledge, and I am certain that any young man who has a conversation with him will walk away with a valuable lesson.

Holt stands with community service award along with Males only Service Club Alumni

To the parents of Lexington, the Males Only Service Club is a remarkable opportunity for any young man who wants to grow and learn gentlemanly etiquette. The club even has scholarship opportunities as well. Mr. Holt's dedication to his students was recently recognized by Apostle Derek Kelly for his outstanding community service. Though he is a humble man who believes a true man acts with good intentions and without seeking recognition, I believe in giving people their "flowers" while they can still appreciate them.

Holt stands alongside last year’s Males Only Service Club Scholarship recipients.

Mr. Holt, on behalf of your mentees, thank you. You have helped shape us into the men we are today—fathers, husbands, and successful entrepreneurs. You are a national treasure, a once-in-a-lifetime mentor. Thank you for everything.