Chuck and Gena Norris Visit Spring Belt Ceremonies
At year’s end, Kickstart Kids was busy advancing more than 9,500 students to their new belt rank at their individual Spring Belt Ceremony which celebrated their hard work and dedication throughout the year. These ceremonies are life-changing events for our students and their parents; however, what would make it even more special? How about a personal congratulations from Kickstart Kids founder and co-chairs, Chuck and Gena Norris!
Mr. and Mrs. Norris’ first ceremony was on Tuesday, May 7 at
Jane Long Intermediate School in Bryan, TX.
More than 250 students advanced to their new belt rank as Mr. Norris shook
hands and took photos with each student.
Instructor, Teddy Coleman, hosted the event, which caught the attention of the local media (links below).
The following day, Mr. and Mrs. Norris visited Stafford Municipal
School District with special guest, Todd Graves (Founder, Chairman, CEO, Fry
Cook, and Cashier) of Raising Cane's
Chicken Fingers. Mr. Graves presented a $100,000 check to Mr. and Mrs. Norris marking the restaurant’s sponsorship of Kickstart Kids 2019 Spring Belt Ceremonies.
The evening kicked off with an
amazing rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by Stafford Intermediate School and
Kickstart Kids student, Daizha M.
Guests heard student and parent testimonials, witnessed kata and board breaking, and watched a stellar demonstration by the Stafford Intermediate School Demo Team, which prompted a standing ovation by Mr. and Mrs. Norris. In addition, parents, staff, and volunteers received special awards by Stafford MSD Kickstart Kids instructor, Rommel Gargoles, for their support throughout the year.
On Thursday, May 23, Mr. and Mrs. Norris attended
the Navasota Junior High ceremony and congratulated
the students on earning their new belt rank from instructor, Ben Mendez.
(Photo by Mahan Photography)
Media Coverage (click below)
- https://www.mysanantonio.com/neighborhood/sugarland/schools/article/Stafford-MSD-welcomes-legendary-Chuck-Norris-for-13851650.php
- http://www.staffordmsd.org/a_b_o_u_t_u_s/news/pham_excels_with_kickstart_kids
- https://abc13.com/society/raising-canes-donates-$100000-to-chuck-norris-organization/5292822/
- https://www.click2houston.com/houston-life/raising-canes-gives-100000-to-chuck-norris-kickstart-kids-program
- https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/local/louisiana/2019/05/09/raising-canes-joins-forces-chuck-norris/1157462001/
- http://thekatynews.com/2019/05/09/the-legendary-chuck-norris-teams-with-raising-canesfounder-todd-graves-to-benefit-his-kickstart-kids-program/
- https://www.chron.com/life/article/Raising-Canes-100000-to-Chuck-Norris-Kickstart-Kid-13829922.php
- https://www.theeagle.com/gallery/news/chuck-norris-drops-in-on-bryan-kickstart-kids-ceremony/collection_ad2ac9d6-7135-11e9-a7ba-7337a17d3ad1.html
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giX1rXO5-rY
