Next Up at Elliot Sloan’s Compound

On February 3rd we packed a van with 10 Next Up students, a filmer, a photographer, and our volunteer Greg LaRosa and visited Elliot Sloan’s compound for our second time; however, this time Elliot had prepared a very special surprise to our students…Our students weren’t sure what they were going to see until we actually got there. Once we arrived, excitement defined their emotions. They were running everywhere…some trying to drop in at the vert ramp, others skating the mega ramp, and others skating the mini ramp. Suddenly, we had the biggest and most unexpected surprise…the most popular face on Earth in skateboarding walked right into Elliot’s house — Mr. Tony Hawk!! 

Elliot had invited Tony to come and hang out with our students, and his presence was absolutely appreciated. “I had a great time. Thank you, Elliot for having us. This day was beyond insane!” – Mark Miller, 15yrs old. “This was an experience of a lifetime. I got to meet the Michael Jordan of skating” Andrew Mendes, 15yrs old referring to his experience of meeting Tony Hawk. Next Up students couldn’t have been happier; it was their very first time watching professional vert skaters perform in a vert ramp. We would like to thank Elliot Sloan for his generosity in inviting us into his house, his friends for coming and skating with us, and Tony Hawk for helping to make an unforgettable afternoon for all of us!!