Minor Middle School Honored With $20,000 Donation from Hibbett | City Gear x Jordan Brand

After a long year of virtual lessons, kitchen classrooms, and recess in the backyard, back-to-school season 2021 is in session. To welcome students back to campus in a big way, Hibbett | City Gear and Jordan Brand presented Minor Middle School, located in Jefferson County, Alabama, with $20,000 in a surprise check presentation ceremony on August 13.

The donation has been earmarked for funding critical needs on campus including the purchase of new instruments for the Minor Middle School Band Program, updates and improvements to the school library, the purchase of new equipment for the physical education department and more.

“Hibbett has been an anchor in the Birmingham area for more than 76 years, and we proudly support educational and athletic programs that improve the lives of youth in our community,” said Hibbett’s VP of Marketing Sarah Sharp-Wangaard. “We are so happy to partner with Jordan and to be able to help Minor Middle School start the new school year off right with much-needed infrastructure and supplies for their students.”

To kick off the presentation ceremony, students were greeted by a performance from the school band and then treated to a special message from New Orleans Saints defensive end and Jordan Athlete, Cam Jordan, who offered words of encouragement and hope to the eighth-grade class as they begin this next chapter in their educational careers.

“We know that the past year has been challenging but we’re so proud of you for your hard work and perseverance,” Center Point City Gear Manager Laverne Harris told students following the video message screening. “As eighth-graders, you have the opportunity to lead and set an example for the younger kids in this school and we know that you’ll do a great job!”

Harris then announced that each eighth-grade student would receive a new Haddad backpack from the brand’s Jordan collection in recognition of their efforts in the coming year.

But the surprises didn’t end there for Minor Middle School. Zoned in a fine arts district, band has always been a major component of the Minor school system, Principal Marty Everett told Hibbett and Jordan Brand.

Among the program’s many accomplishments, the Minor Middle School Band has earned consecutive Superior ratings at Music Performance Assessments, seen 40 students accepted into the JEFCOED All-County Honor Band, and received 43 Superior ratings at the Alabama Bandmasters Association Solo & Ensemble Festival.

The band has also performed consecutively at the UAB Concert Band Invitational and been invited to perform at the University of Alabama Crimson Festival of Winds, the Grand National Adjudicators Invitational at Atlanta Symphony Hall and during halftime at an NBA G League game hosted by the Birmingham Hoops.

“We know that the Minor Middle School Band is a vital piece of your school and community,” Fultondale Hibbett Sports Manager Cannon Calvert said to the gymnasium full of students and faculty. “We understand that you are working on plans to have the band participate in the marching aspects and with that transition, there is a need for additional equipment. Hibbett and City Gear are proudly donating $20,000 to Minor Middle School to support your band program and the equipment needed to take you to the next level.”

Hibbett | City Gear and Nike/Jordan Brand representatives then presented Principal Everett and Minor Middle School Band Direct Derek Smith with a check for $20,000.

“As part of our community, we are excited to watch you grow and to see what is to come! Thank you for being so strong and we know that this will be a great year,” Calvert concluded.

Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which one can use to change the world.” Principal Everett believes this, too.

“This donation is very meaningful to our band program. Our band program has helped students develop discipline, perseverance, and character. In addition, many of our students develop a life-long passion for band and continue to study music at the post-secondary level,” Everett said.

Perhaps most impacted by the surprise donation was Band Director Derek Smith.

As the Minor Middle School Band begins to incorporate marching into their program, this donation will aid in the purchase of additional instruments including tubas, percussion drums and instruments for students who do not have instruments of their own.

“This was just a blessing for me,” Smith told WBRC reporters. “I’m just so happy that the community supports our students here and that Hibbett and City Gear support our students. It’s just a blessing for us, truly.”