What ten Sweetwater High students thought was “The SUHI Letterman’s Challenge” turned out to be much more than they anticipated in the end. Thanks to SUHI English teacher Kristina Josafat, ten SUHI athletes were recently surprised with a custom letterman jacket after applying for what they thought was the Project Letterman Challenge.

The Project Letterman Challenge consisted of a five question application that asked the following questions: What sports have you participated in? What does a Letterman’s Jacket mean to you? What goal(s) are you willing to set (and commit to) as part of the Letterman’s Challenge? What teacher, staff, or coach have you discussed your Project Letterman goal(s) with, who is willing to help push, guide and motivate you?

“For some time now, I’ve noticed very few letterman jackets around campus,” said Josafat. “Knowing that so many students have earned these jackets and don’t have them because of finances, I knew I had to do something. That’s how I came up with the Project Letterman Challenge and asked for support from my friends and family to help fund jackets for a few students.”

Initially only five students were scheduled to be selected, however after noticing last year’s positive response from friends and family, this year Josafat decided to set-up a GoFundMe account, a fundraising site dedicated for personal causes and life-events. Josafat was able to fund ten students with a letterman jacket due to the outpour of donations.

“Letterman jackets are a huge part of the high school experience,” said Josafat. “After having nearly 30 students apply this year, I wanted to do as much as I could to help as many students as possible.”

The day of the surprise, students were filing into the classroom for the “final interview”, they appeared alert, bright-eyed and exceptionally poised. But when each jacket was put on, it triggered an irrepressible smile.

“Words really cannot express how appreciative I am of Mrs. Josafat and all the staff at Sweetwater,” said Senior Antonio Garcia. “I thought I was here for my final interview today. I still can’t believe this is happening and I get a jacket.”

Garcia’s fellow schoolmate Gladiss Barajas echoed the same sentiments when asked how she felt. “I am extremely grateful for this opportunity,” said Barajas. “I’m excited and can’t wait to get my jacket!”

Josafat saw the jacket not only as a reward, but as an opportunity to represent the school.  “Thanks to High Five Team Sales for playing a huge part in this program and giving our students a twenty-five percent discount on their jackets. This made a huge difference.”