Watervliet gear on sale; proceeds support scholarship program

Feb. 16, 2012

A Watervliet businessman is looking to give back to the local community and is encouraging city youth to do the same.

    Sawyer’s Screen Printing on Second Avenue has recently partnered with the Watervliet City School District to make Cannoneer branded apparel and other items available to the public through an easy-to-use online store. Rob Sawyer, owner of Sawyer’s Screen Printing, will use a portion of the proceeds to fund his “Give Back Scholarship” program. A percentage will also benefit the Watervliet althetics.

    “Local residents can now show their school pride, shop local and support Watervliet students all at the same time,” Watervliet Athletic Director Richard Cowles said. “It’s good for the city of Watervliet because it’s a local business and it’s good for the district too.”

    The online store currently features long- and short-sleeved t-shirts, hooded sweatshirts, sweatpants, mouse pads and coffee mugs. The inventory is expected to change and expand over time, Mr. Cowles said.

    “We’re very excited to offer our students, staff and community members the opportunity to purchase high-quality Cannoneer gear at a reasonable price. I hope to see everyone in the city wearing garnet and grey,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lori S. Caplan.

    A graduate of Broadalbin-Perth schools, Sawyer says the city has been good to his business which he moved to Watervliet four years ago.

    “This is just my way to give something back,” Sawyer said.

    The scholarship is available to graduating seniors pursuing a college degree. Among the requirements, Sawyer said, will be an essay on how the applicant plans to give back to Watervliet. Applicants must have also taken two art or business classes, have a grade point average of 80 percent and have been involved in a high school sport or extra-curricular club for at least two years.

    Applications for the Give Back Scholarship are available at the high school guidance office.

To buy Watervliet apparel and other items visit the Watervliet Spirit Wear online store. A link to the online store is available on the district's Athletic homepage.