Nine years ago, a new class was begun under the direction of Robyn Alexander. Ms. Alexander had already been teaching Family and Consumer Science (formerly home economics) at St. Labre for the past 35 years but was ready for a new challenge in addition to her other classes. The new challenge was to introduce the students to graphic design and printing. In this class, the students learn techniques for putting graphics on T-shirts, sports garments, jackets and just about anything else. In addition, they learn about keeping books, providing quotes and making sales, among other business skills.

Other schools and businesses saw some of the students’ work, and soon they were asking for promotional designs.

The class was immediately successful. Soon, other departments at St. Labre were asking for graphics on uniforms. Other schools and businesses saw some of the students’ work, and soon they were asking for promotional designs and products.

Fast forward to 2025. Ms. Alexander is in her 44th year of teaching and would like to retire—with one exception. She will continue with Braves Ink until she is no longer seen to guide its future. And it’s no wonder! The kids love the teacher and the class, and their creativity has been compared to some of the best graphic design shops in the surrounding area. A number of the students are already thinking about careers in graphic design after graduation.

The photo on the left shows what the class has actually been accomplishing. They have set up a business model whereby they use profits from their sales to purchase materials and equipment. And more importantly, the class revenue from the 2023–24 academic year amounted to $34,000. Some of that was used charitably for students who could not afford uniforms or jackets, and to provide graduating seniors with scholarships.

When it comes to a class that is classroom-governed, there is an intense quiet as each student goes about the assigned task. Ms. Alexander says that the progression of the class has pretty much turned her into a monitor. “The kids are capable of doing everything that needs to be done without any input from me,” she says.

But classrooms need teachers, so she is putting the word out that she would like to retire and hopes that someone will show up to keep this entrepreneurial enterprise going for years to come. St. Labre salutes her success and the success of the students who have shown themselves to be so capable. And join us in hoping for a happy retirement for Robyn Alexander.