ANTIOCH, Tenn. (WTVF) — Antioch High School is a top 25 finalist in a nationwide shoe design competition organized by Vans.
Vans Custom Culture was created to inspire and empower high school students to embrace their creativity through art and design and to bring attention to diminishing arts education budgets.
"Many of these kids have much more talent than the talent I had when I was their age," said Antioch art teacher Ilian Hernandez.
Hernandez said the students applied for the competition earlier this year and were accepted just days before schools closed due to COVID-19.
"We did whatever we could [to compete.] We tried to have strong designs on the shoes," Hernandez said.
A team of six students came up with colorful designs to cover two pairs of white Vans. Because students had to do most of the work at home, Hernandez helped with shipping the shoes and other materials from house-to-house.
"I wanted to keep my word. I wanted to show my students in my classes that if they follow my lead or they need me I will keep on pushing," she said.
There is a different design on each shoe. One features flags from around the world as a show of appreciation for the school's diverse population.
"Many of [the students] are from immigrant parents and their parents made the sacrifice of coming to America and they can repay that sacrifice to their parents by doing something like this. I just want them to understand they have so many things they can do out there and they have so many opportunities," she said.
The school that wins the contest receives $50,000. If Antioch High School wins, the money will go toward the art department, fulfilling the needs of students who cannot afford course materials or equipment and beautifying the high school by creating murals that embrace the multicultural student community.
You may cast one vote per day here until voting closes on May 15 at 7 p.m.
