Crim gear gets new name

Despite changing the name from Crim Wear to Cell Block products, Yuma High School spirit wear and items carrying the school logo are still available to purchase, a school official says.
 
"We still have a lot of wonderful products, 100-year commemorative Christmas ornaments and a wide range of apparel from polo shirts to hooded sweatshirts," said Erin Rourke, marketing teacher and adviser to the Distributive Education Clubs of America Club. "We also have a number of anniversary items such as coffee mugs, key chains, bumper stickers, window decals and tote bags."
 
Several years ago, a former employee copyrighted the name Crim Wear, she said, so the school now calls all of its items Cell Block products in honor of the campus store where they are sold.
 
In addition, people may purchase pennants, megaphones, magnets and a variety of baseball caps and visors. DECA students are working on making new products available every month, Rourke said. In the near future, they hope to add sweat and yoga pants, scarves and socks.
 
Although the Crim Wear copyright is taken, the school still retains the copyright to the Crim Head logo, which serves as the school mascot, Rourke said.
 
All school spirit items may be purchased at the Cell Block store, located next to the cafeteria. It is operated by DECA students and is open daily 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. All  proceeds go to support the marketing class and DECA activities.
 
"Club activities are integrated into the curriculum as an extension of classroom exercises," Rourke said. "It's another way for students to demonstrate their knowledge."
 
DECA is open to all Yuma High School students who enroll in marketing classes and it holds occasional after school meetings as required, Rourke said. They are now developing special promotional activities such as a Christmas party, tentatively scheduled for Dec. 11 but still waiting for an activity request approval.
 
"It's mostly for the public because I know they have a hard time getting in during the day," Rourke said. "But the Cell Block hours are restricted because that's when the students can work."
 
The Christmas party is expected to take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Cell Block store and cookies and punch will be served. Admission is free and no reservations are required.
 
However, some extended Cell Block hours have already been secured for the dates of Dec. 9 through Dec. 12 that run from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
 
Cell Block products are also sold by booster clubs and athletic teams at games and school activities such as open house nights.
 
"I know some stores that sell 'Crim Wear' but that's not connected with us or supports our students," Rourke said. "We got a lot of new things. Students are making their own designs and we are very excited about our new products and extra hours."


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William Roller can be reached at wroller@yumasun.com or 539-6858.