So I guess we’re going to have ourselves an inauguration, aren’t we? I wasn’t quite sure if it was so, but since DC has exploded into full Obama-love mode, I’ve taken the hint. DC is now an Obama-spotting, where-will-he-eat-next guessing, merchandise-selling, Ben’s-Chili-Bowl eating, hoop-shooting [PS - that's where I vote!] wonderland of Obama-love, and it’s basically the greatest thing I’ve witnessed in a good long time. It makes me proud of this deliciously twisted city I call home.

But you know which other city gives me that warm and tingly feeling? BALTIMORE. And when I heard about this amazing project, I knew I wanted to help spread the word.

Take a look at the t-shirt design below:

Design by Jazzmine, 7th grader, Bridges @ St. Paul's School

What would you say if I told you the t-shirt above was designed by a seventh grade student? Would you believe me? I had a hard time believing it too, especially because it’s so sophisticated and pop-art-tastic. But it’s true. And for a $12 donation to Bridges @ St. Paul’s School, you can have your very own.  

The design is amazing, but the story behind Jazzmine and Bridges @ St. Paul’s School is even better. Here’s some more information that comes with the purchase of a t-shirt:

Bridges @ St. Paul’s School would like to thank you for purchasing this shirt commemorating the Inauguration of President Obama. Jazzmine’s depiction of President Obama was created in Mr. Metzger’s Protest Art Class.

Baltimore City students enter Bridges as early as the summer after third grade. Once admitted, students join a multi-year network of programs designed to provide each with consistent access to positive peers and caring adults and opportunities to develop skills and aspirations for success in middle school, high school, college and career.

Contributions from foundations, corporations, private individuals and the St. Paul’s Schools allow Bridges to connect with the wonderful students in its network.

Thank you for supporting Bridges. We hope January 20, 2009 marks a great day for you and your loved ones.

You even get a copy of a picture of Mr. Metzger’s Protest Art Class. Sorta makes me wish I was able to take a Protest Art Class…

I’m sharing all of this here with you because I was raised in Baltimore, because I love Baltimore, because I love art, because I care about education and our kids, because RP does some amazing work at Bridges, because I’m so excited for President-elect Obama’s Inauguration, and because I know the $12 will go a long way towards building a better future for all of us.

Happy Inauguration Countdown everyone.

T-shirts come in S, M, L, and XL. Checks should be made out to Bridges, 11152 Falls Road, Brooklandville, MD 21022. For more information, please email Rob Paymer at rpaymer [at] stpaulsschool.org