New Gator Gear Exchange Program

The Lower & Middle Schools’ (LMS) uniform exchange program has been a long-standing tradition at SHS, much appreciated by parents and students alike to share and recycle clothing, helping families save money and reduce waste. 

But until now, a similar program did not exist at Sacred Heart Preparatory (SHP); two students, senior Kate Newton and junior Laura Barnds, noticed the need for one and in September launched a new program called Sports and Gator Gear Exchange SAGGE (pronounced “sage”).

In their younger years at SHS, both students helped their parents who were involved in the LMS exchange. Each has three siblings, so there was always a lot of clothing to recycle and exchange. “My older sisters would pass things down, and I really enjoyed helping my mom collect my shorts, skirts, and shirts and bring them to the exchange,” said Newton.

Newton was compelled to establish the SHP exchange for environmental reasons—she took AP environmental science (APES) last year and learned how even small change can make a difference. “The clothing industry contributes in many ways to pollution and climate change. There are already so many clothes out there, it would make sense to just reuse them. We needed to start something here—maybe more people will realize there’s more out there that we should be reusing,” said Newton.

Barnds agreed environmental reasons spurred her to join Newton in founding SAGGE. “In Spanish class last year, we had a month-long unit about fast fashion, and how it specifically impacts the oceans and natural environment. I learned a lot about how the industry is one of the top polluters. If we could do something to help even a little bit, that would be something we could really be proud of.”

After planning the program throughout the beginning of the semester, collecting clothing, and making a formal proposal to SHP Principal Dr. Jennie Whitcomb, the duo launched SAGGE with the support of mentors SHS parent Alison Van Dyke, and SHP teachers Matt Carroll and Reid Particelli, who encouraged the students to develop SAGGE into a senior capstone project.

The first clothing exchange was held in front of Otto Library where the Parents Association was meeting, and where the pair formally presented about the project to help spread the word. Eight large bins with a mix of gator gear and athletic uniforms were set out for students to peruse—by the end of the morning, it was all gone.

Another collection is underway in preparation for the next exchange (date to be determined). Anyone with clothing or athletic gear to donate can drop it off in the bin in front of Campus Ministry, room #B36 in the Campbell Center basement.

Next semester, Newton and Barnds plan to recruit sophomores and juniors interested in taking the helm. “We want the program to be continuous,” said Barnds. “Our hope is for the newer sophomores, when they’re seniors, to pass it on to younger people. Hopefully it can keep going after we graduate.”