On Friday, Sept. 14, at noon, every student at Robberson Community School will receive new athletic shoes, thanks to Greenwood Laboratory School senior John Sharp. Just for Kicks is a nonprofit organization co-founded and managed by Sharp that has raised more than $25,000 and has provided more than 600 pairs of new shoes for Robberson students. This year, Sharp raised $8,000 through local donations to purchase the shoes.
Sharp remembers presenting the shoes in the past. “The kids have so much energy and are so excited every year to receive their shoes. We make it fun, play music and clap.”
Just for Kicks funds are held with Community Foundation of the Ozarks, and Sharp partnered with Under Armour Inc., which discounted the top-quality athletic shoes. Sharp carefully measured the feet of each student because he believes students need well-fitting, quality footwear to remain active and healthy.
“New shoes make a big difference for kids,” he says. “They give confidence, pride and motivation to be active and physically fit.”
Sharp is an academic and athletic standout at Greenwood. He is a Bright Flight Scholar, all-state athlete, four-sport varsity letterman and student body president.
