FRIENDSWOOD, Texas – Friendswood High School art students recently learned they're among five finalists in a nationwide art competition for $50,000 in prize money.
The students have turned regular Vans into pieces of art that any can wear and now; they're taking them to New York City.
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When the Vans shoe company asked young people to create custom kicks, seven Friendswood students answered the call.
They designed four pairs of shoes that depict themes like sports, music, and art.
The students are among five finalists in Van's custom culture competition.
They've won an all expense paid trip to New York City.
The students said creating the shoes was only part of the challenge.
Along with their parents and teachers, they've spent the last several weeks trying to get votes in the online part of the competition by passing out flyers and using social media.
That effort brought the entire community together.
"We all worked really hard on our shoes and watching it pay off when were in first place was really awesome," said Justin Deatherage, a senior.
Now, they're hoping to win the grand prize of $50,000 for the school's art department and the chance to have their shoes produced and sold at vans stores nationwide.
After handing out hundreds of flyers, the students will find out on June 11 if their efforts paid off.