(See more photos on our Facebook photo album.)
District Attorney’s Office press release
For the second year in a row, Henderson County District Attorney Scott McKee stood in front of almost 200 Henderson County fourth graders from Eustace, Malakoff and LaPoynor ISDs and asked them for their help. McKee told the students that as an Army soldier, he and every other soldier has a battle buddy to look after them.
“I need each of you to promise me that you will look out for your buddy and tell a teacher, counselor or parent if you think things aren’t going well at home with your friend,” said McKee. McKee also asked them if they would be his soldiers in his war against child abuse. They all responded with a resounding “Yes, sir!”
The 2nd annual Kids Day was the capstone event to the month-long Go Blue campaign. The campaign begins in early April with a proclamation by Commissioners’ Court and culminates with the big day. Throughout the month, the Henderson County District Attorney, County Attorney and Sheriff sponsor events along with help from other Henderson County agencies to bring awareness to child abuse. Numerous business and organizations throughout the county also sponsor the campaign. The money that funds the campaign is gained by selling t-shirts throughout the county. This year the theme of the shirt was “Have a Heart, Do Your Part.” Over 2,300 shirts were sold this year.
To qualify to attend the event which was held at Watz Up Family Fun Park in Seven Points, the fourth graders participated in a coloring contest. Each participant drew a picture which supported the theme of bringing awareness to child abuse. The contest was held at each school throughout the county. Schools that could not make it to the event hosted members of the DAs Office, County Attorney Clint Davis and Sheriff Ray Nutt’s departments as well as the Henderson County Child Advocacy Center, who presented the winners with a certificate, gift card and other goodies.
Kids attending the event were also treated with the presence of McGruff the Crime Dog and surprised by the sudden arrival of Ronald McDonald. Arrangements for Ronald’s appearance was made possible by Kevin Lilly, a major sponsor to the go blue campaign. “Kevin pulled a few stings and arranged for Ronald to fly in from Atlanta to be at our event” said McKee. The kids as well as the teachers and parents were pleasantly surprised. The winners were presented by McKee, Sheriff Ray Nutt and Seven Points Police Chief, Curt Koger.
McKee stated that as long as he is in office, this event will continue. As his number one priority since taking office, McKee indicated that prosecuting those that abuse children is only half the fight.
“We have to stop the cycle,” said McKee. “We target the fourth grade class each year because they are the perfect age to get the message and help recognize and report the signs.”
McKee said that he is excited at the prospect that in continuing to host the event for fourth graders, in another seven years, they will have delivered the message to every student from forth to 12th grade.