Clayton Middle School in Reno sets aside its uniform policy on Fridays and allows students to wear college and university gear. These "College Days" are intended to help Clayton's 655 students visualize themselves as college students.

After learning about the Clayton initiative, ASUN and the University's Student Services Division decided to show their support - in a big way. At an all-school assembly on Dec. 23, every Clayton student was presented a University of Nevada, Reno T-shirt, donated by the student-owned store, the Nevada Wolf Shop.

"Clayton Middle School has come up with a fun way to encourage students to envision themselves attending college, and we are excited to support their 'College Day' spirit," said Shannon Ellis, vice president of student affairs at the University. "The sixth-grade and middle-school years are the ideal time to reach out and help young scholars prepare themselves for higher education. We want these students to know their options include the tier-one University right here in their hometown."

"It's about getting kids to believe in themselves," Clayton Principal Bruce Meissner recently told the Reno Gazette-Journal, which reported on the "College Days" and Clayton's transition into a Pre-Advanced Placement Academy. Meissner received his bachelor's degree from the University of Nevada, Reno in 1994.

Wolf Pack mascot Alphie, Santa, ASUN President Casey Stiteler, representatives of the University's Alumni Association Advisory Council and several University faculty and staff members helped distribute the T-shirts, along with teachers and staff from Clayton and parent volunteers.

"Our University is amazing and I want all of these students to be reminded of that every time they wear their new shirts," Stiteler said.

The Nevada Wolf Shop is located in the Joe Crowley Student Union and is owned by the undergraduate student association, ASUN.