ELSANOR, Ala. — Got Character? That’s the question a black and white t-shirt worn by Elsanor Elementary students every Wednesday and on field trips asks.

Below that question, emblazoned on the back of the shirt, are some character traits that will stand the students in good stead throughout their lives such as honesty, respect, being helpful, dependable, having perseverance, courage, integrity being responsible, sportsmanlike, and of course, politeness.

“We gave the shirts to the students in January,” explained Principal Susan Runnels, adding that school personnel had “found” the money to buy the shirts from leftover funds from other accounts. In all, the school purchased more than 300 shirts, enough for the students and faculty.

The simple shirts make quite a statement as students course through the school’s halls.

“We wanted to push good character qualities,” explained guidance counselor Sandra Street.

“The faculty and staff wear them, too,” said Runnels. “We just got together and brainstormed the character words that we want our children to exhibit.” things that meet most children’s needs.” Runnels designed the shirts.

“The students see the qualities (on the backs of their fellow students) as they are walking,” said Runnels.

The problem is, the school does not have the money to buy new shirts for students who have simply grown, have transferred in to the school and for next year’s crop of kindergarten students.

Runnels and Street estimate that they will need around $500 to 700 to purchase shirts for next year. The money isn’t in the budget, there are no accounts to tap, so they are hoping that an individual, community group or an area business can assist them with shirts for next year.

“Because the school is a ‘Title’ school, with many children living below the poverty line, not all families are able to purchase an additional shirt, and we wanted everyone to have one. The school can’t ask families to buy the shirts,” Runnels said

“The students and adults wear the shirts every Wednesday to remind us of the traits we should be striving to achieve,” when there is a school assembly,” explained Street.

The students also wear the shirts on field trips, making them easier to spot in a crowd.

While the shirts are useful, and convey a good message Runnels is a little surprised that these traits have to be stressed.

“When I was growing up, these character traits were expected by society and did not have to be taught. In today’s society, things have changed and children need to be reminded of what it takes to have good character.”

But she’s very happy to have the shirts. “We feel like the school has benefitted from the shirts,” she said.

“They stand out,” said Runnels. “They represent us well. They are simple, clear and to the point. I hope that we will be able to continue the program.”