Every Great Journey Begins with a Step

BY NHI VUONG

Hamilton, a Social Studies teacher at East Jordan Middle/High School, began collecting shoes of people with sensational histories. He began doing this in 2008, when two high school students sadly died in the same year. He wanted to prove that not everyone was fine, and some students are really struggling. So, Hamilton began to collect the shoes of struggling people with amazing stories. Eventually, the East Jordan Middle/High School Shoe Club was created. This motivational club helps with collecting shoes, and they also participate in a new service project every month. Students can even donate their own shoes, which will be kept on a shelf called “the Hall of Fame.” Now, there are about 200+ shoes in the collection, ranging from shoes from Oprah Winfrey, Justin Bieber, Usain Bolt, Steph Curry, and even Jane Goodall. All shoes are donated, and students at the school love watching the shoe collection grow. Multiple students have said, “I couldn’t even pick one if I tried!” Hamilton wanted to inspire kids to make a difference, and this project has helped kids realize anyone can make an impact. As Hamilton said, “I don’t want my kids to just dream while they’re sleeping; I want them to be dreaming all the time.” 

Cites – 

https://www.npr.org

https://www.shoeclub.org/