Chuck Norris made a few misses before becoming a six-time undefeated World Professional Middle Weight Karate Champion and a film star. Norris spoke at the Just Say YES luncheon, a nonprofit organization devoted to equipping youth to succeed, and his story mirrored some struggles that teens face today. The determination it took for him to persevere came from the discipline he learned through martial arts and mentors along the way.
“The only time you fail is when you don’t learn from trying,” said Norris. He explained the obstacles he overcame to begin his first martial arts school in his parents’ backyard to taking acting classes through the GI Bill to making his first movies and opening his first Kickstart Kids program in Houston, Texas.
Just Say YES has been equipping teens to have the discipline to finish school, make smart choices and be inspired by peers and mentors that have encountered the same struggles. The luncheon, which helps the organization to provide school speakers and peer-to-peer mentoring, was held at the Preston Hollow home of Kenny and Lisa Troutt. The proceeds from the luncheon support the nonprofit’s goal to provide resources that empower students to say YES to their dreams and goals and no to destructive choices. Last year the luncheon raised $276,000 and this year the goal was to raise $300,000.
Dan Bailey, Founder and President of Just Say YES, highlighted the important work of Just Say YES and the organization’s STARS Peer-To-Peer Mentor program. The Just Say YES assembly programs have been given in 38 states and the STARS mentoring program is currently in three high schools in Garland ISD and one high school in Dallas ISD with another high school in Duncanville planned for fall 2015.
About Just Say YES
Just Say YES — Youth Equipped to Succeed — empowers youth to say YES to their dreams and goals and no to risk behaviors such as drugs, alcohol, sexual activity and bullying. For 13 years Just Say YES has provided respected speakers and resources to educators, students and parents. For more information please visit www.JustSayYES.org or www.Facebook.com/YouthEquippedtoSucceed.