In recognition of extraordinary commitment to children, families and their communities, Kickstart Kids announces the recipients of its 2022 Founder’s Vision and Character Awards to be celebrated at its Boots and Black Belts Gala on Saturday, April 9.

The Founder’s Vision Award is given to individuals that share Mr. & Mrs. Norris’ understanding of the importance of teaching adolescents the social and emotional tools essential to navigating the middle school and high school years, and the impact it can have on a life’s trajectory. This year Dr. Charles Dupre, Deputy Executive Director, Member Engagement and Support for the Texas Association of School Administrators and former Superintendent of Ft. Bend ISD has been selected as the recipient in recognition of his years of dedication to Texas children and their futures.

Dr. Dupre became acquainted with Kickstart Kids and oversaw the launch of the program in Pflugerville ISD in 2008. After witnessing the positive impact the program had on the Kickstart students, as well as the culture of entire schools, Dr. Dupre made the introduction of the Kickstart Kids program a priority upon joining Fort Bend ISD in 2013. He articulated his reasoning as “Kickstart brings something to our schools that wasn’t there before. Middle school is where you win or lose students for life. We need something to engage all students. There are always going to be students who want to play football or basketball, be in band, fine arts, choir, but there are many kids who don’t have interest in these programs. What I’ve found is that Kickstart Kids fills the gap for many of them. And once they are in, I know they are going to be successful for life because of the character values they learn through the program.” In September 2021, Dr. Dupre took over as Deputy Executive Director, Member Engagement and Support for the Texas Association of School Administrators where he will continue to help create and sustain student-centered schools and develop future ready students.

The Character Award is given to individuals that exhibit selfless service, and the embodiment of the Kickstart Kids core values - honesty, loyalty, courage, discipline, respect, dedication, kindness and responsibility. This year the law firm of Squire Patton Boggs, LLP has been selected for its corporate culture dedicated to these values, and to encouraging staff to give back to the communities it serves. In particular, Kickstart Kids would like to recognize Mike Forshey, Lew Clark, and Deborah Lodge.

Squire Patton Boggs leadership strongly recommends that all of their lawyers volunteer their time and services, and credits up to 100 hours of pro bono work towards annual hour goals. In 2021, firm lawyers donated 20,000 hours of pro bono work to the communities in which they live and work. More than twenty Squire Patton Boggs lawyers based around the world have provided legal counsel to Kickstart Kids since 2013. Squire Patton Boggs pro bono committee co-chair Michael Forshey is quoted as saying “As lawyers, we have an obligation to help those less fortunate who cannot navigate the legal system themselves. I like to think of pro bono work as billable hours for the soul. I support Kickstart Kids because I believe within every child is the power to dream more, learn more, do more and become more.”