East Jordan middle school received a special package in the mail earlier this month- an autographed pair of Dolly Parton's red high heels.
Teacher Matt Hamilton founded “the shoe club” at East Jordan Middle school in 2008.
Students who join the club get to display a pair of their shoes in Hamilton's classroom. They sit alongside shoes worn by icons like Shaquille O’Neal, Justin Bieber and now, Dolly.
The club is centered around shoes, but the purpose is to inspire students to value themselves and others.
“The shoes to us represent the journey of life and to continually give back, work hard, set goals and dream big,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton said they were originally supposed to receive an unworn prototype of Dolly’s heels. But after Dolly heard about the larger purpose behind the “shoe club”, she decided to send the school a more special pair of shoes that she wore while performing. Hamilton said Dolly embodies the message of the shoe club.
“I can't think of anybody else who is as generous and kind and loving as Dolly Parton,” he said. “She truly embodies valuing herself and valuing other people and living that out in her daily life.”
Students who join the Shoe Club must first read the motivational book “Value Up” by Mike Donahue, then write a paper about what they learned and how it will impact their actions going forward. Hamilton said they also must write out ten life goals to be able to join the club.
“Getting the kids, especially middle school kids to think about their life and what they want to do in high school and after high school gives them motivation to work a little bit harder and to find (their) value,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton said students leave positive messages on lockers and practice random acts of kindness during the holidays. In the last two years, they have done larger scale projects, including raising $70,000 to put solar panels on the roof of the school.
Last year, it also spearheaded a project to improve the garden space at East Jordan elementary school; They raised enough money for an indoor growing space, a fence, a shed and other garden enhancements. Hamilton said some high school students come back to help with big projects and mentor the younger students.
When the club was first starting out, Hamilton said he originally only collected the shoes of students. When thinking about how he could take their message a step further, Hamilton decided to collect shoes from people whose positive impact has been felt on a world-wide level.
“I’ve been truly amazed at the response from the people that have sent us their shoes,” Hamilton said.
