I recently attended my dance banquet, and while varsity letters were being distributed, I couldn’t help but notice the absence of letterman jackets here at LFHS. I asked my teammates, but no one had an answer. Even the parents that attended the banquet reverberated the same question: Why don’t we have letterman jackets?
My peers and I wondered why our varsity letterman letters remained at home, unused. Years ago, they were proudly showcased at football games, school events, and meets/competitions.
Letterman jackets are a blend of vintage and trendy—they bring back that classic high school vibe you don’t see as often. It would be awesome if they made a strong comeback in the Lake Forest community.
“They haven’t stopped, but most definitely slowed down since the 1960s. This year, we have only sold around six or seven, Kiddles owner Jay Shlifka said. “I can’t put my finger on it, but it probably slowed down due to a matter of style, but some people might want something new and the same trend to start up again.”
The lack of letterman jackets isn’t limited to just Lake Forest, but to all neighboring communities as well. It appears that the younger generation of boys and girls is showing a decreased interest in vintage jackets, while older generations still view them as cool, retro, and trendy.
Law teacher Mr. Mann played football and baseball here at the high school and graduated in 2002.
“They were a cool, nice jacket that represented the school and all of the sports that you play. Let’s bring them back!”
With all of my discussion through peers, teachers, staff members, and the community, majority votes on bringing the timeless jackets back to Lake Forest and all surrounding areas. These jackets embody the idea of a Scout and symbolize your class while also showing your accolades on the side of your arm. Talk about humble bragging!
Let’s make it a tradition here at LFHS and start wearing them to football games, school events, and outings that show our school spirit and showcase our accomplishments on our sleeve.
“There is a certain pride, and you put in a lot of hard work at the high school for four years and you wear it as a badge of honor,” Shlifka said.
