Letterman jackets are an extremely popular aspect of a school year because most organizations have distrubed them recently. A letterman jacket is a symbol of recognition for football, cheerleaders, athletic trainers, drill team as well as other sports and organizations.

“Getting involved is really the only easy way to letter,” junior Cassandra Asare-Sackey said.

It takes a lot of work to get a letterman jacket. In most organizations it takes at least one to two years to letter by accomplishing predetermined guidelines.

“For football I had to work really hard and be on varsity,” sophomore Jessie Brubaker said.

Both cheerleaders and football players have about the same criteria to letter.

“I had to attend all of the football games, and be a varsity cheerleader,” sophomore Karsyn Griffin said.

To letter, band students must earn 50 points by working in concessions for two hours and then earn a maximum of 40 points. Then earn 10 more points in some sort of UIL, or band membership, but only in first division.

“We have to do a lot; it’s based off of a point system,” junior Zach Diaz said.

This year, seven ROTC cadets lettered.

“Their service ribbons, grade point average and overall skills contributed toward the 400 points they had to earn to letter,” Mst. Sgt. JJ Smith said.

The color of the jacket is a symbol itself.  For example varsity football players and athletic trainer jackets are navy blue with gray sleeves. Jackets can be customized with the cursive letters; extra embellishments can be purchased as well.  Stars can be added to make it more personalized.

“I have lots of bling on my jacket,” drill team captain Lauren Snow said.

Patches are made from leather and wool.  They come in a variety of themes, such as class year, mascots, clubs, sports or UIL.

“I have many patches for accomplishments in band such as all region, and all-district,” Diaz said.

When putting decorations on jackets, such as names or patches, there’s almost no limit.

“I have a lot of patches, I have drill team boots, my NHS patch, a cross and my class patch,” Snow said.

For students who letter, the cost of the jackets is free.  Extra embellishmentssuch as names on the back and patches, must be purchased by the student.

“I spent about $185 on my son’s patches; he lettered in varsity golf,” English teacher Melinda Black said.

Academic UIL is the latest group to achieve the honor of lettering.

“I was surprised when I realized I lettered.  I can’t wait to customize my jacket,” junior Ashley Braun said.