Walk a Mile in Someone’s Shoes
The East Jordan Shoe Club, founded in 2008 by middle school teacher Matt Hamilton emerged as a response to the heartfelt stories shared by Mike Donahue when he first spoke at EJMS that same year. During the presentation, Donahue retold the stories of students from across the country who often feel they don’t measure up. Following the assembly, Hamilton was flooded with students who wanted to share their own stories.
In his advocacy for respect, diversity, and anti-bullying, Donahue encourages young people to look beyond appearances, reminding us that everyone carries untold stories and struggles. His mission to help students recognize their intrinsic worth has inspired hundreds of students who have proudly participated in the Shoe Club. But what exactly does it mean to “Walk a Mile in Someone’s Shoes”?
This powerful phrase promotes empathy, an understanding often comes after we’ve tried to understand others’ experiences. After an inspiring assembly with Donahue, Hamilton was flooded with students eager to share their own challenges and triumphs. Recognizing a need for support and connection, he developed the Shoe Club, providing a safe space for students to express themselves while fostering a culture of respect and appreciation for one another.
The exhibit at JRAC features more than 30 pairs of shoes from a remarkable collection in the school’s Shoe Museum. These shoes tell stories of resilience and hope, including those of students as well as iconic figures like moonwalker Charlie Duke and sports legends such as Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant.
Additionally, the exhibit showcases more than 20 artworks created by talented members of the Jordan River Arts Council. These pieces reflect the ethos of the Shoe Club, encouraging visitors to think deeply about motivation, teamwork, and self-worth. This creative collaboration between students and artists highlights the profound impact of mentorship and community spirit.
For this special exhibit, JRAC presented two artists awards. Pat Tinney was awarded Honorable Mention for her watercolor painting First Pair. Joyce Brodsky received the Grand Prize for her acrylic painting Slava Ukraini. These awards were made possible through the generosity of the following East Jordan organizations: American Legion Post 227, Helping Hands, Lions Club and Rotary Club.
Visitors can experience this thought-provoking exhibit at the Jordan River Arts Council, open daily from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM through July 13, 2025. The real value of this exhibit lies in the emotional connections it fosters among students, artists, and the community. For anyone looking to engage, learn, or simply enjoy the inspiring narratives woven into this exhibit, now is the time to step into the shoes of those around us. Find more information about the Shoe Club here: https://www.shoeclub.org/
For more photos go to https://www.jordanriverarts.com/2025-events/walk-a-mile-in-someones-shoes
