With snakeskin-patterned shoes in hand to donate, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently visited East Jordan Middle/High School to acknowledge the impactful work of the “Shoe Club,” an initiative to empower teens through teamwork and service.

The Shoe Club is led by Matt Hamilton, a middle-school teacher and MEA member who strives to help teens become the best versions of themselves. Hamilton and his students collect shoes from notable people from around the world to reinforce the importance of empathy, hard work and dedication.

Over the years, Hamilton and his students have amassed an impressive collection of shoes from household names, including athletes, inventors and artists. Through his impact on students, Hamilton has become a local celebrity himself in East Jordan.

Walking through town the day of the governor’s visit, community members greeted Hamilton warmly — waves, smiles, and hellos exchanged like a mayor on parade. The educator’s influence could be felt as he strolled past the Grand Armory of the Republic Park, a mini park that pays tribute to Civil War veterans. One of the Shoe Club’s service projects dramatically improved the park, further cementing Hamilton’s connection to the community.

“When you see what [Hamilton] is doing here, and you hear the stories and the conversations around values and leadership, I think it’s really a cool way to draw in young people,” Whitmer said. “It’s really an inspiration.”

Rylan McVannel, a junior and Shoe Club member, said: “Mr. Hamilton is one of the biggest influences I have ever had in my life, aside from my parents. I cannot even think of where I would be right now if I hadn’t learned some of the skills I’ve learned through Shoe Club.”

Such heartfelt statements from students exemplify the transformative power of educators like Hamilton. What began as a small effort to promote empathy has evolved into a life-altering experience for students, educators and the community.

Amid the excitement surrounding Whitmer’s visit, Hamilton found himself in a contemplative mood. On the wall behind his desk, one shoe hangs unassumingly, paired with a framed photo and the goals of a former student, Danielle.

“If there was a fire in the school and I could only grab one shoe, it would be this shoe,” Hamilton said, his voice heavy with emotion.

Danielle enthusiastically joined the Shoe Club as an 8^th grader in 2008, immediately setting to work on a critical requirement: writing down her 10 life goals. Tragically, she lost her life later that night in a four-wheeler accident.

“Danielle’s shoe is the best gift that has ever been given to me, symbolizing how precious time is,” Hamilton said. “We don’t have much time — that’s why we work hard. We don’t know how much time we have on this Earth.”

Perhaps Hamilton will be asked to add his shoes to the collection someday — a fitting representation of his legacy and his lasting impact in East Jordan.

Follow this link to read more about Hamilton and the Shoe Club.