by KaseyKahne.com

Billingsville's Character Education leader, Judith Strickland, first contacted the Kasey Kahne Foundation in October. Her goal was to offer the students an experience with a positive male role model; something many of the students desperately need. She asked Kasey if he would speak freely to the Kindergarten through 1st graders, including a hearing impaired class about the importance of using good character.

Kahne was guided to the Billingsville Assembly Hall where 60 youngsters were anxiously waiting. With excited eyes staring, Kasey stood in front of the group and briefly described his career and some struggles he's had to overcome. He discussed how he learned to race and how he is still learning. He spoke about the people that support him and how important it is to "...respect people and treat them how you want to be treated. Remember that older people know a lot...and we can learn from them."

Kasey asked the group of youngsters what their goals were and if they were close to reaching them. Many excited hands shot into the air hoping to be called on by the racecar driver. Their answers ranged from reading a book to driving a car. Kasey laughed as they shouted their answers to him. "If something doesn't go right, don't get mad, keep working at it," Kahne tells the kids. "Set goals to be successful. And set goals for school. Go to college and learn as much as you can learn so you can be successful."

Billingsville is a Focus School, in which ninety-five percent of students are on a free/reduced lunch program and children need individual attention and extra support. One-third of the students speak English as a second language to Spanish, Swahili, etc. Pencils, crayons and paper are hard to come by for many students in this inner-city Charlotte, North Carolina school. With the significant adversity each of these students must overcome, they need not worry about the lack of supplies that are available to them. Faculty work tirelessly to create a positive learning environment in which each child can learn and develop to their best abilities. "I believe that teachers and staff that work in a Focus School/Equity Plus program are there to make a difference in the life of a child. I know I am." says Judith Strickland.

Miss Strickland and the students presented Kasey with a trophy, The Billingsville Cup."We wanted to give you The Billingsville Cup, since you weren't able to win the Nextel Cup this year.", says Miss Strickland. After the assembly, Kahne sat as Miss Strickland's students surrounded him. He read the racing story,"The Racecar Alphabet." After each page, he paused to show the pictures to the students. At the conclusion of the story, the students had an impromptu pep rally for Kahne, shouting," Go number 9! Go number 9!" At the end of the story, the students politely thanked Kasey for coming to their school. This wonderful experience with a such a postive role model will be something these kids will remember for the rest of their lives.

About the Kasey Kahne Foundation
The Kasey Kahne Foundation raises and donates funds to charitable organizations that care for chronically ill children and their families. The Foundation is also committed to positive cultural changes by focusing on diversity awareness and giving underprivileged boys and girls ample opportunities for success.