Mayor Jimmy Lunsford and Mayor-elect Jason Reeves visited Charles Henderson Middle School Thursday morning, but it wasn’t to spend time with the students.

Lunsford and Reeves were invited to the school for an event involving male role models for the children at CHMS.

Fathers, older brothers, grandfathers, uncles and other male guardians were invited to a first-time event at the school – Muffins with the Mayors – geared toward inspiring men to take an active role in the school.

“When it comes to participation, especially from male role models, it tends to taper off significantly in middle school,” said CHMS Principal Aaron Brown. “I am standing before you to say we need your help. We can’t do it by ourselves.”

A couple dozen men gathered with the mayors and Brown in the school’s cafeteria to talk and munch on muffins prepared by Charles Henderson High School Culinary Arts Program students.

“I am here for the support of my kids, to let them know I am behind them for whatever they decide to do and be and whatever they need at school,” said Anthony Williams, father of an 11-year-old and a 13-year-old at CHMS.

Lorenzo Thomas has a 12-year-old student at the school and echoed Williams’ sentiment.

“I thought it was a positive thing for the kids to see fathers support them and their school. I am happy to be here.”

Male role models were challenged to become present in school activities and in the Parent Teacher Organization.

“Having male involvement can only be positive for the continued development and growth of the public school system,” said Mayor Jimmy Lunsford. “This morning was a good start to something that can pay big dividends if male role models become more involved.”

Brown said Muffins with the Mayors was part of a school-wide initiative to increase parental involvement this year.