How Our Community Can Help Apollo High School Teens Thrive

Love a good deal? If you’re anything like me and love a good bargain, here’s an easy, affordable way to support local teens as they reach important milestones.

How the Wallet Program Got Started

Melody Wallace shared with me how this program began about six years ago, with a young man who was very close to their family. He’s strong, resilient, and incredibly driven. After he graduated from high school, he asked for a ride to the airport to begin his next chapter. On the way, they realized he had nowhere to put his airport documents. He had always used his phone case as a wallet! Melody said, “How can an 18-year-old not have a wallet?” So they pulled into the nearest Walmart and lined up every wallet style on the conveyor belt for him to choose from. That simple moment sparked the idea for the wallet program to help teens step into adulthood.

Bringing Wallets to JAG Students

Fast forward a few years. Melody took the JAG specialist position at Apollo High School, where she now works with about 70 teens who often need adult support with the little things. In the classroom, they celebrate both the small and big wins: passing your permit test or getting your license is a big win, and graduating high school is a big win.

Noticing how inexpensive ID cases and wallets were at outlet malls, Melody started asking for them during Spring Break of her first year. The response was so great that the first year they gave them out to graduates, the program expanded to reward students for passing permit tests and earning licenses, too. Whenever she sees sales on “popular” or name-brand wallets, she shares them with the community, giving everyone a chance to impact these students’ futures.

Celebrating the Wins (Big and Small)

Every time a JAG student passes their permit test or earns their full driver’s license, they get to choose a wallet or ID case. It’s a simple reward, but it’s also a way to recognize their hard work and keep them motivated.

For many of these students, being acknowledged like this really matters. It tells them someone noticed their effort and is cheering them on.

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Where to Find Great Deals

Right now is a great time to shop. End-of-season sales mean wallets and ID cases are super affordable, and name-brand options can often be found at places like TJ Maxx, Gabe’s, Burlington, Ross Dress for Less, and similar stores. You can sometimes grab one for just a few dollars.

If you’re already out shopping or doing a little online browsing, picking up one extra wallet is an easy way to help.

How You Can Help

If you’d like to donate, new wallets or ID cases can be dropped off or shipped to:
Apollo High School JAG
c/o Melody Wallace

Area teens are working hard, studying, passing tests, setting goals, and taking steps toward their future. A small gesture can give them a confidence boost and remind them they’re supported!

Supporting Teens Heading Into the Military

Melody also wanted me to share that, as a Navy veteran, she partners with VET (Veterans Empowered Together) and the Brandon Scott Mullins Memorial Foundation to make sure every high school senior enlisting in the military receives a military-grade wallet and a monetary gift before heading off to basic training. It’s another way to celebrate milestones and support teens as they step into the next chapter of their lives. #amazing