Herff Jones sponsors new uniforms after Indianapolis-based cheerleading team is criticized for wearing outdated uniforms on local television appearance.

Indianapolis, IN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/27/2016 --Herff Jones announced its support of TC Howe High School in Indianapolis through the donation of cheerleading uniforms after the cheer team received criticism about outdated, mismatched uniforms worn on a WTHR television appearance last October.

The school lacked a consistent cheerleading program until Ashley Collins, member of the school staff, stepped in as coach this fall. After an unsuccessful fundraising effort, the small but mighty cheer team pulled together uniforms from years past, as well as warm ups from the girls' basketball and track teams for their appearance on the WTHR program, Operation Football.

"When the cameras were rolling, their smiles were brighter than the sun – an opportunity of a lifetime! Unfortunately, the girls received a lot of criticism about their appearance. The girls were taunted about their shoes, missing pom-poms, and mismatched uniforms; turning a moment to build confidence into a moment where I, as their coach, had to repair the team's self-esteem," said Collins.

TC Howe High School came to the attention of Indianapolis-based Herff Jones after news of the criticism spotlighted the team's need for uniforms. Along with support from alumni and the community, Herff Jones supplied uniforms manufactured by sister company, Varsity Spirit. The uniforms included skirts, tops, shells, warm-up pants and jackets, pom-poms, shoes, briefs and hair accessories.

"Bettering the communities we serve by supporting student achievement and school spirit is important to all of us at Varsity Brands. When we read about the challenges facing the TC Howe High School cheerleaders and their determination despite some criticism, we wanted to step in and help," said John Newby, President of Herff Jones.

"Raising school spirit and community pride is always on our radar. We salute these young ladies and their coaches for not giving up. They should be proud of their efforts to be taken seriously as leaders in their school and drivers of school spirit. Providing matching uniforms and accessories though our sister company, Varsity Spirit, should raise their level of confidence and help them look and feel even more like a team!"

The cheerleading team will reveal their new uniforms at their next home basketball game on Saturday, January 30 at 6:00 p.m. The team is preparing a special half-time performance and will be available prior to the game for photos and interviews.

About Herff Jones
Indianapolis-based Herff Jones is the leading provider of graduation and yearbook products and services designed to inspire students, capture experiences and celebrate achievements. A division of Varsity Brands, Herff Jones' products include class rings and jewelry, caps and gowns, yearbooks, and motivation and recognition programs. Focused on building long-term relationships through a nationwide network of over 1,700 employees, the professionals at Herff Jones have been helping elevate the student experience and celebrate academic milestones for nearly 95 years.

For more information about Herff Jones, please visit herffjones.com.

About Varsity Spirit
Memphis-based Varsity Spirit has been a driving force behind cheerleading's dynamic transformation into the high-energy, athletic activity it is today, and the leading global source for all things cheerleading and dance. A division of Varsity Brands, Varsity Spirit is a leader in uniform innovation and educational camps, clinics and competitions, of which more than 350,000 cheerleaders and dancers attend each year. Focused on safety, entertainment and traditional school leadership, Varsity Spirit's 1,200 employees have been helping raise cheerleading's influence and profile since 1974.

For more information about Varsity Spirit, please visit www.varsity.com.

About Varsity Brands
With a mission to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for young people, Varsity Brands elevates the student experience, promotes participation and celebrates achievement through three unique but interrelated businesses: Herff Jones, a Varsity Achievement Brand; BSN SPORTS, a Varsity Sport Brand; and Varsity Spirit. Together, these assets promote personal, school and community pride through their customizable products and programs to elementary and middle schools, high schools, and colleges and universities, as well as church organizations, professional and collegiate sports teams and corporations. With over 4,600 dedicated employee-owners and independent representatives, Varsity Brands reaches its individual and institutional customers each year via catalog, telesales, e-commerce sites and direct sales channels.

For more information about Varsity Brands, please visit www.varsitybrands.com.