The KidZone Community Foundation mission was to promote and support physical activity for children. We envisioned a community of "All Kids Moving with a Smile" as we worked toward our ultimate goal of developing lifelong habits of regular physical activity and exercise while striving to make our community one of the healthiest in the nation.
While the goal seemed simple, we all know that kids need role models to show them the way. That's why we were proud to announce the "Biggie Award" that was presented through the years to Grants Pass area adults who exemplifies our mission and vision.
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Nominations are no longer being accepted for the Biggie Award.
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2023: Clay Rounsaville
Clay has been the Athletic Director (and Assistant Principal) at Grants Pass High School since 2007. He has emphasized the importance of physical activity for all students as well as the youth of the community. He credits the students, staff of the high school and District 7 and the members of the community for his success. At GPHS, he was assistant coach in wrestling from 1998 through 2005 as well as head coach in softball from 1998 through 2007. The award presentation was October 20, 2023 at Russ Werner Field during halftime of the Grants Pass - Sheldon football game. Pictured above (from left) are KidZone Community Foundation President-elect Robyn Lasky, Biggie Award Winner Clay Rounsaville and current President, Dr. Richard Cohen.
—————————————————————————————————————————————————— 2019: Kevin Clark
Kevin was CEO of the Grants Pass Family YMCA from 1990 until 2018. He was a volunteer coach for Boys and Girls Club and AAU basketball from 1993 until 2004, and has been a volunteer assistant basketball coach at North Valley High School since 2001. For the last 2 years he has also been a volunteer assistant coach for the North Valley boys golf team. In his acceptance comments he encouraged everyone, whether it be in sports, arts, education, mentoring or any other activity, to make a difference in someone else’s life. The award was presented at Mel Ingram Field during halftime of the Grants Pass vs. Summit football game September 13, 2019.
From left: Daniel Bifano, Dr. Tamara Powell, Biggie awardee Kevin Clark & Dr. Richard Cohen
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2018: Lisa Austin
Dr. Richard Cohen, Dr. Tamara Powell, Lisa Austin (with Biggie Award) and Scott Draper at the presentation ceremony October 19, 2018. The award was presented at Mel Ingram field during halftime of the Grants Pass - South Medford football game. Lisa founded and is the owner of Motion Matrix, which began in 2006 as Unlimited Sports Academy, providing gymnastic instruction. It has evolved into Motion Matrix, whose motto is "We Get Kids Moving". offering programs for children as young as 12 months, all the way up to the premier competitive gymnastics program in our area.
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2017: Dr. Nathan Tanner
Nathan Tanner DMD (with Biggie award) and foundation board members (from left) Daniel Bifano, Paige Botnik, Dr. Richard Cohen, Adam Holder and Dr. Tamara Powell at the trophy presentation September 15, 2017.
Dr. Tanner's inspirational message to the crowd after receiving the award:
"Happiness in our lives is more about the focus of our lives than it is about the circumstances of our lives. I want to encourage everyone, whatever the circumstances are, whether you're in an up period or a down period, to remember the focus of your lives, the direction you want to go and the things that will bring you happiness in the long term: physical fitness, close relations with friends and family and your personal goals."
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2016: Jeff Cox
2016 Biggie Award presented to Jeff Cox, Athletic Director of the Boys and Girls Club on October 11th. For twenty years, he has been a supporter and mentor of physical activity for youth. He personifies the foundation's vision statement of "All kids moving with a smile".
2015: Robyn Lasky
Biggie Award presented to Robyn Lasky October 16th. Robyn is Sensei of Northwest Kenpo Karate. He has been teaching for 24 years and is a 5th degree black belt. The award was presented October 16th at Mel Ingram field during halftime of the Grants Pass - Roseburg football game.In his words, "I teach because I believe it is my responsibility to pay it forward - to give back what was given to me. Our kids, yours and mine, deserve a chance at a successful and happy life. The martial art gives them the tools they need to make this a reality."__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2014 Jordan Werner
Jordan Werner is a Physical Education teacher at Riverside Elementary School. He is a Presidential Youth Fitness Program grant recipient, and a winner of a Yes! grant that allowed him to purchase 35 step-aerobic platforms for Riverside School. He organizes Riverside's participation in the National Walk and Bike to School Day and the Walking School Bus program at Riverside. He is currently working with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation in a nation wide study to implement the Healthy Schools Program at Riverside. He is a licensed Bokwa dance instructor and in his "spare time" coaches football at South Middle School and track and field at Grants Pass High School.
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2013: Dave Huddleston
Dave Huddleston receiving the 2013 award from President, Dick Cohen and Board Member, Scott Draper.
Of the many deserving nominees for the 2013 BIGGIE Award, we chose a friend to 17 years of student athletes at Grants Pass High School - Dave Huddleston. He received the award at halftime of the Grants Pass vs. Sheldon football game October 25th.
Dave has been a volunteer assistant coach for basketball, volleyball and tennis. He has been an adult role model with whom student athletes have shared success, and he has been a trusted friend when victory has been elusive.
A sincere thank you and congratulations from all of us and especially from every student athlete who has benefited from your presence in our community.
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2012: Kathy Dungey
Kathy Dungey receiving the 2012 award from President, Dick Cohen.
The 2012 Biggie Award was presented to Kathy Dungey for her program "Teens on the Move" at half time at the Grants Pass vs. Roseburg football game October 19th. She is a P.E. teacher and coach at Grants Pass High School. Congratulations and thank you, Kathy.