The IHSA Student Advisory Committee (SAC) has partnered with Minerva Promotions in Bloomington to create a pair of t-shirts that are designed to show support for all Illinois high school students impacted by the cancellation of numerous IHSA state tournaments due to COVID-19. The IHSA is encouraging anyone who purchases a shirt to display themselves wearing it on social media on May 16, which would have been the first day that IHSA state champions were crowned this spring, and each Saturday after through June 13. Shipping costs are based on bulk rates, so teams are highly encouraged to pool their shirts into a single order/shipment. Pick-up can be arranged for schools near Bloomington-Normal. To see or order shirts, click here.
“I hope these shirts can unify all high school students across Illinois,” said Althoff Catholic High School senior and IHSA SAC member Katie Wemhoener. “I hope these shirts will accomplish a sense of hope for the future, remind us of memories we had in our sports, and provide a perspective of living in the moment.”
Not only do the t-shirts aim to support students, but they will also directly impact COVID-19 relief in Illinois, as well as support student leadership and scholarship opportunities via the IHSA’s Foundation. Minerva will donate $1 from the sale of each shirt to Illinois COVID-19 relief via Feeding Illinois, and another $1 to the IHSA’s Foundation. The shirts range from $12 to $17, and are available in navy, orange, or tie-dye. The IHSA will receive no proceeds from any of the t-shirt sales.
The IHSA’s Foundation helps underwrite the costs for the bi-annual IHSA SAC Student Leadership Conference, as well scholarships programs like the IHSA All-State Academic Team. The IHSA Foundation’s golf outing fundraiser for 2020 has been postponed.
“Recognition, support and unity have been a constant focus for us as we’ve navigated this unprecedented pandemic,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “We feel like Minerva really found an amazing way to tie those themes together through these t-shirts. We hope it can be a way to unite IHSA students statewide, while also giving back. We hope to see tons of these shirts on social media on May 16 in support of IHSA students!”
To view or place a team order, click here.
