On Wednesday May 15, art teacher Ms. Tummillo received a call informing her that South had advanced to the final round in the national Vans Custom Culture contest, earning $4,000 for South’s art program. South is currently one of five finalists in the shoe design competition, chosen through an online-voting system. More than  1,400 schools initially submitted designs to the contest; South’s tremendous success in the competition exemplifies the strong support shown by the Eagle community. Ms.Tummillo recognizes how the Vans contest has garnered newfound support for the arts program at South, revitalizing our predominately sports-oriented school and giving the exuberant Midd-South Nation a cause to espouse: “Art isn’t something that a lot of people have an opportunity to rally behind. It’s a quiet support. This has really been a great chance to see how many people had a voice to help us get where we are.”

The winning school will be determined at a judging event in New York City on June 11 and will receive $50,000 for its art program as well as an opportunity for mass-manufacturing of its shoes.