Karate Kids of America with Governor Abbott

Governor Abbott praised and honored the children and as we heard and saw him, we felt the sincerity in his heart, as we all listened to his kind words of encouragement, hope and love. He talked to the kids about strength of character, strength of mind, discipline, focus and character. In the words of Governor Abbott: “If everyone in the state of Texas would be like you, we are going to be a fast, remarkable, successful state.” “Keep on doing what you are doing, know that the Governor of the state of Texas is very, very proud of you, and what you are doing, and I know the future of the state of Texas is going to be even brighter because of you, so thank you, God bless you so very much for being here and all you are doing and God bless your leaders.” (Go to www.youtube.com: Karate Kids of America for Governor Abbott and kids.)

Karate Kids of America with Governor Perry at the State Capitol 2013

Another great and successful year of reaching out to children around the state of Texas in strong efforts in saving young lives from drugs, gangs and alcohol. Thanks to Governor Rick Perry who honored all the children at the State Capitol and thanked all the volunteers, some who came from as far as San Isidro ISD in Starr County and Master Bob Davis representing Karate Kids of Lower Rio Grande Valley. Representatives from Lt. Governor Dewhurst, office of Rep. Larson, State Rep. Van de Putte, Rep. Joe Farias, District Governor for STXD Optimist Club James Rankin and Frost Bank attended the ceremony. More than one hundred kids and volunteers showed up at the State Capitol for this great occasion. The success of Karate Kids of America “Just Say NO! to Drugs, Gangs and Alcohol” is because of the many great dignitaries and volunteers. Thank you San Antonio Spurs, Mayor Castro, Judge Wolff, FBI and DEA staff, Mark & Linda Webster, YWCA, Jay Alaniz, Jesse James Leija, Master Bob Davis, Frost Bank, IBC Bank and Sea Island.

Johnny Maldonado (IBC Bank), Lupe Gallegos, Valerie Lopez, Magdaleno Rangel, Amanda Jaramillo, Michelle Elms, Phillip Reyes, Gavino Ramos, Jose Perez, Christina Delgado, Graciela Flores, Lily Trevino, Kathy Martinez, Annette Reyes, Mark and Linda Webster.
Kids, teachers, parents and volunteers were honored and praised in the state capitol of Austin by Governor Rick Perry on June 09, 2011.  Kids from as far as the lower Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, Edinburg, San Isidro, Starr County and San Antonio, TX attended the ceremony where Governor Perry presented the kids and volunteers with a proclamation, proclaiming the month of June 2011 as Karate Kids of America “Just Say NO” to Drugs, Gangs and Alcohol.  Kids being honored by Governor Perry were chosen out of thousands of kids who wrote letters to their friends persuading them to say no to drugs, gangs and alcohol.  Master Bob Davis, President of McAllen Karate Kids, had over 10,000 kids participate.  Governor Perry was presented with a samurai sword, a symbol of which together and in unity we shall conquer and cut away drugs, gangs and alcohol abuse from our children’s lives, our future.  A big thanks to Senator Van de Putte, Senator Hinojosa and Senator Uresti and State Representative Lyle Larson, State Representative Joe Farias and State Representative Joaquin Castro for their support in helping to get the children recognized and honored by our Governor as well as by all of them.