Middle school boys receive neckties with positive community message

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Some eighth graders on Chicago's West Side received a simple piece of fabric Wednesday along with a very important message.

Boys from LEARN 8 Middle School in Chicago's East Garfield Park neighborhood took part in "Tied to Greatness." Each boy received neckties with men from the community teaching them how to tie the ties.

Event organizers said the new fashion ties in directly with the students inside and outside the classroom. The mentors also shared their own examples of how to overcome issues within their community.