Kent students using art to help stop bullying
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KENT, Wash. -- Several local high school students are vying to win a shoe design competition, and while they're up against each other, they're also working for a cause that's actually bringing them closer together.
The contest is all about bullying, and the students say it's an issue everyone sees or experiences but few feel comfortable talking about.
The Kentwood High School students in art teacher Leslie Armstrong's class are ready to work. Just five days ago, the kids got a cool assignment.
"They really are beginning draw/paint/design students, and yet they're doing advanced marketing the first week of school," Armstrong said.
As part of the art class, the students were challenged to create an anti-bullying design that will be painted on orange Converse Chuck Taylors.
It's an issue the students know well.
"I've seen it happen," said Riana Slyder. "I tried to take a stand and that's what my shoes are all about -- taking a stand."
The Kentwood students know they can play an important role in stopping bullying in their school.
"Younger people are mainly the ones being bullied, so I believe that if you ask a younger person to express it, they would express it in more detail," said student Chris Leatham.
The Swanx Footwear company is going to choose three winners, but only one of those students will get their design on a shoe, which will actually be sold to the public. For each pair of shoes purchased, $5 will go toward Kentwood's art program.
Curtis Johnson owns Swanx, and he likes the idea of his shoes making a difference.
"We feel like it could be a movement where almost every student in a classroom can be wearing them," he said.
Besides being for a worthy cause, the competition is also bringing out the best in the students.
"Because we've been working together, making our design and our slogan, we've got to know each other a lot," said student Kayla Nelson.
Johnson said his team will choose the winning design by the end of the week. Once selected, the hand-painted shoes will sell for $119.
The contest is all about bullying, and the students say it's an issue everyone sees or experiences but few feel comfortable talking about.
The Kentwood High School students in art teacher Leslie Armstrong's class are ready to work. Just five days ago, the kids got a cool assignment.
"They really are beginning draw/paint/design students, and yet they're doing advanced marketing the first week of school," Armstrong said.
As part of the art class, the students were challenged to create an anti-bullying design that will be painted on orange Converse Chuck Taylors.
It's an issue the students know well.
"I've seen it happen," said Riana Slyder. "I tried to take a stand and that's what my shoes are all about -- taking a stand."
The Kentwood students know they can play an important role in stopping bullying in their school.
"Younger people are mainly the ones being bullied, so I believe that if you ask a younger person to express it, they would express it in more detail," said student Chris Leatham.
The Swanx Footwear company is going to choose three winners, but only one of those students will get their design on a shoe, which will actually be sold to the public. For each pair of shoes purchased, $5 will go toward Kentwood's art program.
Curtis Johnson owns Swanx, and he likes the idea of his shoes making a difference.
"We feel like it could be a movement where almost every student in a classroom can be wearing them," he said.
Besides being for a worthy cause, the competition is also bringing out the best in the students.
"Because we've been working together, making our design and our slogan, we've got to know each other a lot," said student Kayla Nelson.
Johnson said his team will choose the winning design by the end of the week. Once selected, the hand-painted shoes will sell for $119.
Bullying is part of growing up. I was bullied in Elementary school, just like the next guy. People are so over-sensative....
 @Smashquail I take it you haven't been seriously bullied as a kid? It happens and it is a serious issue. Educate yourself.
@Zoso Bullying hasn't changed. People are raising their kids to be way too sensitive. Look at how the rate of suicide in young people has increased. It's rediculous.
 @Smashquail You know what? There's a difference between being bullied and being made fun of. I've endured both. Being made fun of was not fun but it wasn't really that big of a deal. However, being bullied was a big deal. And that can be pretty serious. There was even a time or two that I have bullied someone a little bit and that was completely wrong and I am ashamed of it. So yes. Bullying is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. Making fun of people is something we really shouldn't be doing, but bullying is just flat out wrong!
"Kent students using art to helps stop bullying"? Maybe Kent students can use some art to help KOMO editors stop posting stories w/o proof reading?