Like many students, school leaders enjoy wearing sneakers. Just ask NASSP President-Elect Evelyn Edney and Immediate Past President Aaron Huff. Here they share how leading in comfort and style helps them connect with their school communities.

DAN GURSKY | WRITER

Evelyn Edney and her custom sneakers. PHOTO COURTESY OF EVELYN EDNEY

A couple of years ago, many male members of the NASSP Board of Directors started attending board meetings dressed in nice suits but also paired their business wear with sneakers—Air Jordans being the brand of choice.

President-Elect Evelyn Edney and some of the other women leaders on the board took notice and started discussing how they should adopt the same trend. At a summer board retreat, she recalls, the women showed up with Air Jordans of their own that matched their dresses—and the men’s approach to fashion.

At her own school, Edney has continued this trend and stepped up her shoe game. “I love to match them with our school colors, or something else if there’s a really cool event going on.” She’s a big Philadelphia Eagles fan, and her husband recently bought her custom sneakers in Eagles colors, complete with her name on them (see the photo at left).

Evelyn Edney

Normally, she would wear something in school colors on a Friday, but the Eagles opened the season this year with a game in Brazil, so Edney and the other Eagles fans in the school—students and staff—wore their team gear. “I thought, ‘What better way to bring out my new sneakers than to wear them on that day?’” she says.

The shoes are more than just a fun fashion trend. Edney finds they have become a real ice breaker with students, including some who may be too scared or shy to approach her because they are new. “But if they see me with a cool pair of sneakers on, they’ll say, ‘I see you rockin’ the Js, Dr. E.’ It’s funny, but it also offers an opening for a conversation right there.”

The trend has extended to school social events, including a winter “sneaker ball” that started with middle schoolers. “We’re all dressed up like at homecoming, but everyone is wearing their sneakers with their dresses or suits,” she says. “It’s a great event.”

Dan Gursky is a freelance education writer and editor in Washington, D.C.

Aaron Huff in his Air Jordans at UNITED in July. PHOTO BY JAMIE ZARI
JAMIE ZARI | NASSP

For Aaron Huff, the principal of Benjamin Bosse High School in Evansville, IN, and the immediate past president of NASSP, the journey back to his school this year was not only about reconnecting with students and families—it was about continuing to lead with genuineness, comfort, and, of course, his signature sneakers. Embracing the power of authenticity along with his impressive collection of Jordans, Huff has consistently leveraged his footwear to build connections with his school community.

Whether it’s his favorite pair of sneakers or a comfortable pair of golf shoes, his footwear is an extension of his approach to leadership. “You don’t have to maintain this certain persona and be rigid,” he says. Comfort, he explains, allows him to be fully present and available to his students. “Kids—or even your community—might be reluctant to approach you if you’re always in a suit and tie.”

Aaron Huff

Huff’s shoe collection also reflects the diversity of the students and cultures represented at his school. His sneakers, in many ways, are not just a tool for style but a symbol of connection, particularly with young men of color. “In many urban communities, resources may be limited, but people often prioritize looking their best, which is why you’ll see young people in Jordan sneakers and high-dollar clothing,” he says. “Sometimes, when all you have is your appearance, you take pride in it.”

Beyond his sneakers, Huff is also willing to engage with students in their native languages, even when he’s not fluent. Whether it’s Spanish, Haitian Creole, or Marshallese, he makes the effort to communicate in students’ primary languages. He playfully acknowledges that while his pronunciation may not be perfect, the act of trying is what matters most. “It’s an informal way to break my guard down,” he explains. “While I may not have done it very well, I tried it, and the kids say thank you for just loving and respecting their heritage and culture.”

Through his sneakers and efforts to speak a student’s language, Huff fosters an environment where everyone feels valued. Each step in his Jordans reflects his commitment to building meaningful relationships with students and families.

Jamie Zari is the social media coordinator at NASSP.