GSKS students raise money for cancer research

Gary Steele Karate Studio students did their part recently to fight the battle against childhood cancer.

A group of students kicked up a storm, as they hosted a “Kick-a-thon” to raise money for St. Jude Children’s hospital in Memphis.

Students raised money by performing consecutive kicks, with donators pledging increasing amounts of money for higher number of kicks performed.

As a group, the Steele students amassed 111,300 kicks, raising $1,448 for their efforts.

Kacie Goodson and Lindsey Thompson turned in the highest numbers at the Kick-a-thon, with 15,500 kicks apiece.

Other top kickers from the event included Nicole Austin, who finished with 14,000 kicks, Bonnie Higgins, who had 11,300, and Kyle Jones, whose 11,000 gave him top honors among the junior adult students participating.

The youngsters got into the act as well, including 5-year-old Jacob Raper, who helped the charitable cause with 5,100 kicks.

PHOTO INFO:
Kacie Goodson, left, and Lindsey Thompson show off the form which helped them to 15,500 kicks to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis. GSKS students participating in the school’s recent Kick-a-thon included, front row, from left, Josh Powers, Thompson, Goodson and Nicole Austin. Back row, head instructor Paul Byars, Matthew Blankenship, Kyle Jones and instructor Richard Bennett. Not pictured are Bonnie Higgins, Jacob Raper and John Cosminsky.