Founder & Director
Shane is a junior at Guilford High School (GHS) who founded Lace Up For Kids, driven by his passion for making a positive difference in children’s lives. Through working as a Mathnasium tutor and as an instructor at Calvin Leete Elementary School, he discovered the joy of helping young minds learn and grow. Shane created Lace Up For Kids to expand his impact beyond the classroom. Shane was influenced by the mission of the Ronald McDonald House from a young age, when he & his family helped cook meals for residents in the New Haven House. He currently serves on the Teen Board of RMHC CTMA and was inspired to bring fundraising efforts and awareness more locally to his hometown. Ever since then, he has strived to have the positive impact in his community that he knows is possible.
Conor is a junior dedicated to supporting children and families through purposeful and effective service. His volunteer work, including a Pilgrim Fellowship service trip, taught him the importance of inclusivity and strong communication in building meaningful community connections. Conor joined Lace Up For Kids to collaborate with his peers and help create real, measurable change for children in need.
Zach is a junior at GHS who plays tennis, is Class of 2027 Co-President, and looking to expand his charitable actions through Lace Up For Kids. He sees Lace Up For Kids as an important movement for assisting RMHC in providing housing for sick children and supporting families during medical crisis.
Pierson is a junior with interests in digital marketing and making genuine impacts in his community. A longtime volunteer at local soup kitchens and a contributor to many food drives, Pierson has extensive firsthand experience assisting people in need. Pierson was inspired to join Lace Up For Kids to continue his efforts in providing for disadvantaged children and has large aspirations for the expansion of the organization.
Noelle is a sophomore at Wilton High School and a dedicated track athlete who carries a deep passion for helping others. She is all about giving back to her community and making a difference through meaningful initiatives. Through her involvement in Wilton, she helps get people involved and spreads the word about sustainability and support efforts. She joined Lace Up For Kids because she believes small actions, such as donating a single pair of shoes, can create a big impact.
Kiera is a sophomore at Wilton High School and a member of the girls track team. She is passionate about giving back and believes that even a single pair of donated shoes can make a meaningful difference for children and families in need. Through her involvement with Lace Up For Kids, Kiera hopes to make a positive impact in her community.
Cade is a junior at GHS who is dedicated to making a positive impact in his community. He’s especially inspired by service organizations that support families in need, and is excited to work with RMHC to give back. Cade is also passionate about supporting nonprofits focused on reducing waste and repurposing goods to better the community.
Owen is a junior with a talent for creating visual content. He uses design and storytelling to communicate our mission and connect with the community through compelling graphics, branding, and meaningful digital engagement online. His creativity helps strengthen our message and keep our visuals consistent and engaging.
Lewis is a junior at GHS and a competitive runner who cares about supporting those in need. He’s passionate about recycling shoes and getting them to communities that can use them. Lewis joined Lace Up For Kids because he believes awareness is the first step toward impact. To him, even one pair of shoes can make meaningful change.
Your support helps families stay close during medical challenges. Join us through donations, sneaker recycling, or volunteering.
