OK as a 6th grade teacher at my synagogue - I have to TRY to put a little of the Mitzvah back into the event. So Sam the basket ball champ is also a champ at Hagbah (lifting Torah) with a Shin on his jersey (for Samuel) and the emphasis on SAM... I know it is a stretch to even ask the kid to do this... but it would be different from his friends... Technically you might know Sam becomes a Bar Mitzvah ( so it is not really possessive so I did that edit as well) Plus this would only be 3 colors + under-base on a dark sweatshirt! (just saying)
I know... just a suggestion to put SOMETHING Jewish into the celebration... Mazel Tov anyway... My son, Sam, went through his 13 years ago... it is hard work and they really do deserve a party ... but with my teacher hat on I try to remind them of the whole reason for doing this has something to do with taking on the responsibilities of being a part of the community!