I agree with SIRK, when I was in the 6th grade, we washed cars, sold chocolates,donuts,and other things to pay for a trip to NASA. It worked. We didn’t have to ask or beg for money to pay for our trips. We worked for it after school and on weekends, and had fun doing it. These guys are in High School, no reason whatsoever they can not go out and earn the money for what they require. If they can’t do it now, how they gonna do it when they graduate in 2 to 4 years? Being poor, is not an excuse for being lazy. If they are looking for a handout, they better call Oprah.

thumper, I wouldn’t help ANY high school kids get jackets, I don’t care where they attend school. Be it UMS, St Paul, or anywhere else. My statements were meant for ALL high school kids. not just Vigor.

Your right they didnt choose, theier parents but they can choose whether to get a job or not!!! Hard choice get a job or much of the goverment? Which is easier? EXACLY!!! Now i can understand the younger players but not like the JRs and SRs that can get them if they wanted them!!!

When we were in school we would never have thought about standing at a 4-way stop or on Airport Blvd/Schillinger, numerous places throughout the city and county with a bucket asking for donations for some sports function or church function.  We either got up early and sold doughnuts, had a car wash, etc., to raise money for something we needed.  A lot of times when I happen upon one of the groups that are actually working for their money like a car wash, I may not have time to get my car washed, but I do give them a donation. Same way if I pull up at a 4-way stop and they are selling something I don’t care to buy, I will still give a donation.  I will give to the Salvation Army bell ringer though.

I have found that when a child works hard to earn something, he/she generally cherishes it more than if it were just handed to him/her.

You people are amazing to me! These boys worked hard for this accomplishment ,yet they still get ridiculed and labeled. I’m not black and by the grace of God I was able to afford letterman jackets for my sons, but everyone can’t. These boys didn’t choose their parents.  But let it have been boys from St. Pauls, McGill or UMS and you are the same ones who would’ve been all for it. Way to go Wolfpack!! My check is in the mail!

I think it’s wrong to categorize a bunch of hard working guys as thugs based on their school’s catchment area. That is not the intention of my suggestions for raising money to purchase a memento of “Glory Days.” As for free or reduced lunches, my son qualified for YEARS… and I was employed by the state in a professional position.

Do yourself a favor, go to the library and check out “Savage Inequalities” or “Other America.”

i agree!!! and i’ll i hear is how there from low income families, well welfare treats them good apparently

The parents are on welfare because they are to lazy to work…they had rather live off of people like you and me.  They drive cars and have jewelry because that is probably where the welfare check goes, food on food stamps.  Give the money to people who REALLY need it!!!!!! Angel tree kids are peoples kids who are in jail. (or it used to be) Look out for people who you know really need it…In the economy today it is not a letter jacket or a class ring.. Sorry!

and i bet they still go to school with a $200 pair of shoes!!!! get a job, selling weed, aint one!!! no offense!!

I say, as I always do, GET A JOB!! Check out the high end cars dropping kids off at that school everyday. Those parents have money, they just don’t spend it on kids’ needs.  All 3 of my kids started working at age 15, so they could pay me back for their used cars, and pay for their car insurance every month. They didn’t have time to get in trouble, because they had to go to school, then go to work, then come home and do homework, just like I did in the early 70’s. Now they want the citizens of Mobile, and Prichard to “fund” their jackets???...Not a penny of my money!