Garden State Skate: word

By Kelsey Arcolio, Liberation Skateboards.

On February 27, 2008, a tragic accident stirred the community of Freehold, NJ. Two young developing skateboarders, Kevin Clawson, 13, and Graeme Preston, 12, were struck by a minivan driven by an elderly man on Bar Harbor Road during the evening while walking home and were tragically killed as the outcome. Family, friends, teachers, classmates, and anyone else who has ever come to know the two wonderful boys were shaken by the news as it spread quickly throughout the town. Many paid respects and some went the extra mile to make good out of the situation.

That year, Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School music teacher, Jesse Ryan, and his students started what is now an annual tradition: the “Back in Black” benefit concert in dedication to Kevin and Graeme. The whole purpose of the concert is to bring people together to share memories, raise awarenes and fund raise for goodwill foundations and families in need, alike and apart from those of Kevin and Graeme’s.

Liberation Skateboards, a local skateboarding company founded in the town of Freehold, has been an ongoing contributor to the school’s fundraising concert ever since its creation. Liberation’s owner, Kelsey Arcoleo, made it a point to be there for the kids of the school knowing that it meant a lot to them for the skateboards to just be there since Kevin and Graeme showed such passion for skateboarding during their time here. Liberation provided their products as well as other products from their partners at Standard Skate Shop, City Of Soles, X Styles Skate Shop, and your very own, Garden State Skate Magazine.

This year’s concert turned out to be a great success, as it has shown to be every year. Its steady consistency has never failed to bring many people together in a positive atmosphere. Many young kids were reached out to about skateboarding and the joy of it. Of course, practicing safety and being attentive is focused on during this event––rightfully so in the matter of why it even exists. Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School plans to continue their “Back in Black” benefit concert sponsored by Liberation Skateboards for years to come to share their best times with Kevin and Graeme, do good for the community, and spread the good news about skateboarding!