ARLINGTON -
The Dallas Cowboys home opener may have left a sour taste in the mouths of a many fans, but it didn't spoil kickoff events for Super Bowl 45. Third, fourth and fifth graders turned up for big names and a big announcement.
"When we first told them we were coming here, that they were going to get lunch, they were all like, what? The President is buying lunch for me?" said Alison Schneider, a third grade teacher at Westlake Academy.
"This is one of those moments that they're going to remember for a long time," said Brooke Nicholson, a parent.
Together, President Bush and the former First Lady helped launch a new program called SLANT 45. It stands for "Service Learning Adventures in North Texas." Starting early next year, about 20,000 elementary school kids will contribute 45,000 service hours to the region. The community service inItiative will be one of the largest in NFL history. Mr. and Mrs. Bush will serve as honorary co-chairs. Former Cowboy, Daryl Johnston, will lead the effort.
"The most exciting part for me is to see what ideas they come up with," Johnston said.
Several legendary players turned up to support the project.
"I figured right now this is an opportunity to do something, something special, something unique, something that's in North Texas for the first time ever and I wanted to be a part of it," said Emmitt Smith.
"To be able to somehow influence kids in a positive way to serve their community, if I'm able to do that - and have done that - then that's pretty cool," said Troy Aikman.
The celebration continued with a special performance from Jordan Sparks. It wrapped up with a bang (fireworks).
"When we first told them we were coming here, that they were going to get lunch, they were all like, what? The President is buying lunch for me?" said Alison Schneider, a third grade teacher at Westlake Academy.
"This is one of those moments that they're going to remember for a long time," said Brooke Nicholson, a parent.
Together, President Bush and the former First Lady helped launch a new program called SLANT 45. It stands for "Service Learning Adventures in North Texas." Starting early next year, about 20,000 elementary school kids will contribute 45,000 service hours to the region. The community service inItiative will be one of the largest in NFL history. Mr. and Mrs. Bush will serve as honorary co-chairs. Former Cowboy, Daryl Johnston, will lead the effort.
"The most exciting part for me is to see what ideas they come up with," Johnston said.
Several legendary players turned up to support the project.
"I figured right now this is an opportunity to do something, something special, something unique, something that's in North Texas for the first time ever and I wanted to be a part of it," said Emmitt Smith.
"To be able to somehow influence kids in a positive way to serve their community, if I'm able to do that - and have done that - then that's pretty cool," said Troy Aikman.
The celebration continued with a special performance from Jordan Sparks. It wrapped up with a bang (fireworks).
