WHAT do a Queensland State of Origin star and a UFC fighter have in common?

They were both at Proserpine State High School's "Boys Day Out” last Wednesday to speak to male students and share stories.

Robert Jensen, Head of Department of Junior Secondary at Proserpine High, said the bi-annual event was about exposing 12-15-year-olds to men in the community who deliver messages about what it means to be a male.

"These mentors talk about their life story, challenges, success, how they dealt with failure, their passions and what keeps them motivated,” he said.

"It's all about lifting respect for yourself and realising that everyone's got a story to tell and that we can take something from everyone.”

On the line-up were Cowboys legend Matt Bowen, UFC fighter and Proserpine teacher Anton Zafir, local businessmen and representatives from the police and ambulance services.

"We had a good cross-section of people in the community,” Mr Jensen said.

"The good thing is they all deliver similar messages to the boys about respect for yourself, respect for others, and how to deal with success and failures.

"Anton talked about never settling for second best, always aiming high and persisting until you get there.

"That's the message we deliver at the school all the time. It's just reinforcing those messages about being a positive, contributing male member to society and to the community.”

The girls won't miss out, with their event to be held next year.