Boys Town is bringing back a tradition for its students thanks to an anonymous donation honoring Senior Development Director Herb Hames. The tradition is Letterman style jackets.
“This Jacket was funded anonymously to honor Mr. Herb Hames
for his many years of unfailing devotion to the Boys and Girls of Boys
Town."
-Label sewn into Boys Town's new Achievement Jackets
A presentation ceremony was recently held at the Palrang Fieldhouse and 29 of the jackets were awarded. A total of 36 jackets have been earned so far during the 2022-23 school year.
Hames has been with Boys Town for 16 years and has been instrumental in development raising funds for various programs. He is well known around Omaha for his service to different organizations. He said he was honored to be recognized by the anonymous donor.
“It really has been a very humbling experience," Hames said. “I was honored to have an old friend come forward and make the donation. But to see the reaction of the kids when they received their jackets, it is probably one of the best feelings I've ever had here at Boys Town. I was so pleased to have been involved."
The jackets, which are blue and white with Boys Town scripted across the back, are being called achievement jackets to recognize students who display good behavior in school and in their Family Homes. The youth go through an application process to request the jackets and then can earn them through their behavior and school achievement. Boys Town Family-Teachers® have the applications.
Each youth can also earn academic and athletic letters for the jackets, just like students and athletes receive at other high schools.
Years ago, Boys Town had a “B Club," and jackets were awarded to athletes for their accomplishments in a variety of sports. The achievement jackets are modeled after the letter jackets of the past. Seniors were the first class to receive the jackets. Juniors and sophomores who qualify and complete the application process and intend to graduate from Boys Town will be next.
