VINCENNES, Ind. (We Are Knox County) — Friday night’s Lincoln High School football game in Vincennes wasn’t just about the action on the field — school spirit was on full display, and not just in the stands.
That same excitement carried over to Alice Apparel, Lincoln’s first-ever pop-up spirit store.
The store is the product of a partnership between the school’s PTECH program and the Life Skills classroom.
Together, students are creating, selling, and running every part of the operation.
Brad Bodart — known as “Bodie” to his students — is the PTECH Workplace Learning Coordinator.
He says the store is already off to a strong start.
“We’ve got everything from t-shirts and hats to license plates, mugs, and tumblers,” Bodart explained.
“We’ll soon be adding custom stickers, magnets, and even some 3D-printed items. We’re working on a couple of pretty cool toys — including a big ‘A’ toy.”
Every student has a role in the shop, from production to customer service, gaining real-world skills along the way.
“They’re all learning what it means to be in a workplace,” Bodart said.
“We’ve worked on being on time, setting things up, taking ownership of their positions, and even mentoring younger students — both freshmen and those in the Life Skills program.”
In the days leading up to the launch, students prepared like true entrepreneurs.
Some set up a mock display in the cafeteria with tents and tables to practice layouts and signage.
Others interviewed classmates to pair their skills and interests with shop responsibilities.
One of those students is junior Evolet Hollingsworth, the store’s lead designer.
“I’m in charge of designing all of our shirts and spirit wear,” Hollingsworth said.
“It’s scary but really cool to think everyone will be wearing my designs. Ever since I was little, I’ve been interested in drawing, fashion, and design. It’s my dream to see people wearing the clothes I create.”
Hollingsworth says the program has helped her connect with professionals, build her resume, and even rekindled her motivation for school.
“It’s changed a lot of us,” she said. “It’s made us more confident and given us passion for school. I care now. I’m absent a lot less. I want to be here.”
For Bodart, seeing that growth firsthand is the most rewarding part.
“We’re doing good work together, and day by day, they’re becoming the best students in the school,” he said proudly.
Alice Apparel isn’t just for students on game day. The shop is already taking custom orders from classmates, teachers, parents, and community members.
If you’d like to support the class and place a custom order, you can contact Bodie by email at bodartb@vcsc.k12.in.us.
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