In honor of homecoming week, Wednesday, October 1st marked Kean University’s second annual President's Sneaker Ball. The event was hosted by Kean P.U.L.S.E and the Presidents Advisory Council (PAC), in the Harwood Arena.
The atmosphere was curated to match a city vibe to align with the homecoming theme, Formula 1. The lobby was styled with black and golden balloons, cityscape posters, restaurant tables, fancy lighting, and a blue carpet where students showcased their flyest and flashiest outfits and shoes. Inside was a runway stage with a city backdrop and unique lighting for a fashion show and performance that happened later in the event.
This year's Presidential Sneaker Ball was held for students to showcase an outfit and sneaker of their style that aligns with their identity.
President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D spoke life into his sense of style and what the heart of Sneaker Ball is about,.
“I don’t have a favorite pair of sneakers, but I always buy a pair of sneakers to represent who I am," he said. "Tonight, it's not about what you wear, it’s how you wear it."
Moments after, the event started with a quick word of thanks from PAC and Kean P.U.L.S.E for everyones attendance and support, followed by a performance from the Kean University dance team.
During the wait for the fashion show, students were able to take photos and show off their style. Some discussed the sneakers they wore and how they represented them.
Isaiah Miller, a sophomore majoring in psychology from Camden, New Jersey, shared his favorite thing about his everyday shoe.
“I got the Nike Waffles, I choose these because they go with anything like me," he expressed. "I'm comfortable, I'm adaptable, you can put me anywhere and I still look and feel good,”
Students enjoyed the music and free snacks while celebrating freedom of expression and showing pride in their sneakers.
Made Pierre, a senior majoring in biology and health professions from Neptune, New Jersey, expressed how her shoes make a statement.
“I have green Yeezy 700s, they represent me because everywhere I go, I always leave my mark."
Soon after students mingled and took advantage of the various amenities, the main event began, the fashion show. The judges for the activity ranged from First Lady Darlene Repollet, Vice President of Athletic and Recreation, Kelly Williams, Vice President for Student Affairs, Kerrin Lyles and criminal justice major, Samuel Lewis Jac-quay. And the showcase brought together 22 students and Keanu the cougar to present outfits ranging from school aesthetics, Y2K, and cultural-wear. All of them taking pride in their shoegame and outfits.
Even staff like Dr. David Jefferson Jr., the acting director of the Center for Africana Studies at Kean weighed in on the topic of having confidence in your sneakers and style.
"I got on purple and gold Air Force Ones, and I feel sneakers are about your style and how you want to express yourself, and these shoes are letting people know that I'm bold, I love colors, and I love to stand out."
To cap the ending of the event, new hiphop artist from New York, Lola Brooke took the stage to perform many of her various famous hits. Students danced, sang along, took photos, and had a night to remember.
With smiling faces and a night full of fun. the President's Sneaker Ball proved to be a great event for the homecoming week and helped set the tone for a lively semester.
