Wow! What an amazing event. Paige and I arrived to a beautiful home style museum in Long Beach situated above the ocean. Walking in we got to witness all of the high spirited teenage students dancing and celebrating, some having seen the ocean for the first time and getting on a plane for the first time.

The Vans Custom Culture event is a celebration of a contest among high school students all over the country. Their mission was to design and create four pairs of Vans shoes based off different themes. Thousands of schools entered the contest and last night was the deciding moment for the final 5 schools that made it all the way to the event in Los Angeles. The winning school got $50,000 donated to their arts program. 

I was beyond honored to be a part of this program. Art needs to be revered just as highly as any other scholastic subject. It is a way we release and express our personality and needs to be respected. Hopefully this project allowed the students to believe in their ability to create and give them the strength and determination to continue growing their skill forever and always.

Thank you to everyone on the Vans team who allowed me the opportunity. It is one I will never forget.