The intersection of skateboarding and academics isn’t often celebrated, but Humidity skate shop in New Orleans is changing that. Last month, they launched a unique contest: kids with all A’s and B’s on their report cards received a free deck, while those with straight A’s were rewarded with a complete skateboard. This initiative, dubbed the “Straight A Movement,” challenges the stereotype of the skater as someone who struggles academically, and it’s making waves both online and within the community.
This isn’t just a random act of generosity; it’s a deliberate effort by Humidity’s owner, Philly Santosuosso, to flip the script and show that being smart and dedicated is something to be proud of. The program quickly gained online traction, leading to an outpouring of support and donations. To understand the motivation behind the “Straight A Movement” and the stigmas around “nerdy” skaters, we interviewed Philly, a skater known for his smooth style and unique fashion sense.
Philly, a high school dropout himself, admits that he never was a straight-A student. He emphasizes, “We never been straight A kids. Fuck. We didn’t even finish High School. Shit is hard. We see a lot of people making fun of nerds but the truth is getting good grades means a lot.”
Let’s dive into the interview and learn more about this inspiring initiative, and gain some perspective from a skate shop owner who is also dedicated to his community.
Philly Santosuosso at his skate shop
How did the idea for the “Straight A Movement” come about?
Philly: We actually tried something similar a while back, but it didn’t really catch on. I guess social media wasn’t as influential back then.
So the aim was to encourage kids to focus on school?
Philly: Not really the main goal.
You didn’t complete school yourself, right?
Philly: Yeah, I hated it. But that doesn’t mean kids shouldn’t be recognized for their hard work. Just because we might be seen as edgy or punk, it doesn’t mean that success in life is a bad thing. Growing up, the smart kids were always made fun of.
skateboard decks for the program
It should be the opposite, shouldn’t it?
Philly: Exactly! So I thought, “Why not make it cool for those ‘nerdy’ kids, the ones who might be sitting alone, to come to the skate shop and feel accepted?” I know it’s a bit corny, but as skateboarders, we have some influence on what’s considered cool. So, if we say it’s cool to get straight A’s, kids might just go for it.
You launched the contest mid-quarter, right?
Philly: I just announced it. I wasn’t really paying attention to the school calendar. I probably should have, but whatever.
How many complete skateboards did you give out?
Philly: Roughly 22.
And how many decks?
Philly: Way more, lots of them.
More decks ready to be given out
Was this for both A’s and B’s?
Philly: Yeah, straight A’s is a really tough standard. There’s nothing wrong with making A’s and B’s.
Is that why you said you were broke on Twitter?
Philly: Yes! Though, to be fair, we’ve had some help. Quasi, DLX, and DGK all chipped in. Primitive also gave a few decks. But we are really low on complete boards. We have boards for regular customers, but not for free giveaways.
Maybe Jim Thiebaud will send more?
Philly: Jim always has our back. He does owe me a Spitfire collab though!
What was your GPA, if you’re willing to share?
Philly: I failed, man.
How long did you stay in school before dropping out?
Philly: I was around 21, if I would have graduated.
Wow, you would have been buying beers after school.
Philly: 100%. It was kind of embarrassing. Or not embarrassing, but…
Philly Santosuosso leaning on a car
How did you become such a good person? Does running a skate shop make you nice?
Philly: Absolutely not! I’ve met plenty of skate shop owners I don’t agree with. Many people think skateboarding owes skate shops something, but nobody owes anybody anything at all.
Well, that’s what the grade program is about right? Earning your reward?
Philly: Yeah, exactly.
Who was the most hyped kid?
Philly: A kid was in tears. Actually, the mom was even more hyped. It was like a Christmas gift. I don’t know their situation, maybe they couldn’t afford one. But just seeing the parent’s reaction made it all worthwhile.
You mentioned feeling amazing giving the boards away. Can you elaborate?
Philly: It’s the kids’ expressions, the pure joy. It’s a rewarding feeling like I did my job.
Did you expect the program to go viral?
Philly: It scared me! I didn’t know what to do. People were asking how they could donate. I didn’t go to business school, I don’t know how to manage it. This was for my community, and I didn’t anticipate it blowing up like this.
If you get flooded with people donating, will you keep it going?
Philly: For sure, with some limitations. We can’t run out of boards for the public. But if someone wants to buy a board for a kid, I’ll make it happen.
So they can call the shop?
Philly: I guess! Then we have to deal with taxes. I don’t know.
kids with their new boards
Maybe it’s a non-profit?
Philly: I’m not an activist; I just do what I can for the community.
That’s basically what an activist does! So, as an advocate for education, why do you think skaters struggle with school?
Philly: Everyone has their own reasons. Creative people tend to have shorter attention spans and school isn’t always accommodating to them. There are many reasons why a kid starts skateboarding, and it often becomes an outlet for those who have difficult backgrounds. Skating culture is often associated with rebellion.
Maybe we can have both good grades and the skater lifestyle? Like Mark Suciu?
Philly: Yeah, Suciu is the man. If you hate on someone for doing good, you’re a piece of shit. As long as those who are doing well aren’t looking down on others, it’s fine. But, yo, Mark, who am I to judge? If you want to read books, go for it. Mark’s a good friend. Why worry about what other people are doing?
What’s his degree in again?
Philly: Something gangster! [laughs]
What’s better: college or pro skateboarding?
Philly: College, for sure.
Even if you’re an amazing skater?
Philly: Being good at skating doesn’t guarantee a pro career. You have to be a good person. You can be both, though. College takes two to four years. What else are you going to do between 18 and 21? Skateboarding will always be there.
The “Straight A Movement” highlights the importance of recognizing diverse talents and defying stereotypes. Philly Santosuosso’s commitment to his community and his desire to promote both skateboarding and academic achievement sets a new standard for skate shop owners. This program has not only rewarded local students but has also ignited a conversation about the different ways we can support the next generation.
Interview by: Tobias Coughlin-Bogue
Intro by: Jenk Staff
Share this with a straight-A student on Facebook
Report this as not dumb enough on Instagram and Twitter
