Pocatello High School semifinalist in shoe art competition
Four Pocatello High School students painted shoes for a national competition.
The students entered the Vans Custom Culture contest and the group is now one of 50 semifinalists out of several hundred schools.
Students had one pair of shoes for each of four categories: music, art, action sports and local culture, for which Idaho was the inspiration.
All four designs were submitted as a group. One of the students’ art teachers said she has been trying to get her students’ work in the competition for the last five years. This is the first time the school has been accepted.
The students who designed the shoes said they loved working on them and they’re thrilled to make it this far. Most of them add that they’re surprised their designs made it to the semifinals.
“I didn’t even think we would make it this far so I’m really happy,” said Sariah Gaunt, who designed the music-themed shoe. “I think that this is a really cool experience.”
“I thought it was really cool just to get the opportunity,” said Tavia Hill, designer of the art shoe. “When my teacher asked me if I wanted to do it, I thought it was really cool, and the fact that we made it to the top 50 was even better.”
“It’s really cool to see all the other entries,” said Molly Vitale-Sullivan, who designed the action sports-themed shoe. “I’m happy that we made it this far. I didn’t really think we would.”
The art teachers who encourage the students to do this competition said they’re really proud of how the designs turned out.
“Their designs are beautiful,” said Karen Whittier, an art teacher. “I couldn’t have done better. I’m really proud of them; they represent Pocatello High School and Pocatello in a really fine manner.”
“They’re absolutely gorgeous,” said Jennifer Vanwasshenova, another of the students’ art teachers. “In fact, I would wear all of their shoes on a regular basis if they were my size.”
Voting closed Wednesday night and the top five winners will be announced Thursday.
If Pocatello High makes the top five, the students will go on to finals in June.
