We have all seen the explosion of the now infamous yellow LIVESTRONG bands recently, and all of the spin-offs that have ensued.
Whether they are for a cause such as cancer, as they were originally intended, or are simply serving to make a fashion statement, such as those bearing phrases like "Princess" or "Love," these silicone bracelets are everywhere and on practically everyone.
Proceeds from the original LIVESTRONG bracelets go towards the Lance Armstrong Foundation, which supports young cancer survivors and their families.
These bracelets, however, are starting to encompass more than just supporting a worthy cause.
The trend is even hitting Hopkins.
Two juniors, Dan Luperchio and Jeff Diamond, are using the popularity of these bracelets as a means for showing school spirit, by making "Blue Jays" bracelets in Hopkins blue, which will be sold at Spring Fair.
"We got the idea from Princeton when we went to the Princeton game, and they said lTigers' on them. They were selling like crazy and everyone had them," Luperchio said.
After initially seeing the bracelets at the game, the pair decided they were interested in the possibility of bringing spirit bracelets to Hopkins. They did research online to see if they could get them in time for Spring Fair.
After deciding that making the bracelets was feasible, they ordered 800.
Though organizers hope the bracelets will sell out during Spring Fair, they will probably be selling them at lacrosse games and at other school events, as well.
The bracelets will sell for $3 each, and although that is more expensive than the original bands, their creators hope that people will be willing to spend a little more to foster school spirit.
This extra cost is needed just for Luperchio and Diamond to break even from the costs of production and the Spring Fair table.
"If we end up making a profit," Luperchio said, "we will make a gift to BJU [Blue Jays Unlimited, the annual fund that benefits athletics at Hopkins] and also put the rest towards next year's bracelets."
For Luperchio and Diamond, these bracelets are, above all, a way to exhibit school spirit and support for Hopkins' athletic teams, particularly the lacrosse team.
"The point of the bracelets is to exhibit team spirit, since everyone is always complaining that Hopkins has no school spirit. We have the No. 1 lacrosse team in the country, and people should be proud of it," Luperchio said.
And for a mere $3 a bracelet, you can show your support of Hopkins' teams and be stylish at the same time. "After all," Luperchio said, "if Princeton can have them, why can't we?"
