On February 6, 2016 Kloud Nine Step Team competed in their first competition of the step season.  With last minute changes, the girls adjusted well.  I stood on the sideline, next to the DJ to play the team's music during their performance.  As the host announce their name and the curtains opened, my heart began to race.  I was so nervous as if the spotlight was on me and it was show time!  Indeed, it was show time!  The very moment my girls has worked so many days, so many hours, was finally here and meshed into a ten minute routine.  I was very pleased with the girls performance.  They worked very hard and at that moment, it was their time to shine.  They did just that.  Congratulations to the Kloud 9 Step Team for winning 2nd place in the step competition on Saturday. ~ Katrice Johnson

I am truly humbled and excited about all the changes Kloud Nine has gone through over the past months.  Excited that my team is stronger than ever!  We continue to grow!  God gave me the vision.  So, before all things I pray and seek him in all I do and before I place Kloud Nine in "anything".  We have been instilling R.E.S.P.E.C.T. in our Kloud Nine Kids.  Excited about their growth and young ladies! 

Where do I begin?  I first want to thank God for the vision he bestowed upon me.  I never imagined that the phrase that “popped” in my head over ten years ago “Lifting each child up to reach their full potential” was God speaking to me and at that moment the seed was planted.  It took some time… there were some hard times and some false starts.  There were times I didn’t understand, times when I wanted to throw in the towel and give up but there was a moment that it was clear to me that there was a special purpose for me.  I realized Kloud Nine was reaching young people.  It was having a positive impact on the lives of young people, building self-esteem, self-confidence, and building social skills.    In our first year, we reached hundreds of youth.  I am so humbled by the support and love shown to Kloud Nine throughout our first year.  I appreciate the businesses that sponsored or partnered with Kloud Nine in community events whether it was our Bully Awareness Event, a toy, clothes, or food drive, if you invited us to be a part of your special event, or if you ministered, stepped, performed, or purchased a ticket to one of our events.  I am truly grateful to every one of you that God placed in my life to push, help, and/or support my efforts.  Thank you! ~Katrice 

Words cannot begin to express the excitement and nervousness that flows through my body and heart.  The second annual Step Off, Stop Bullying Event is a couple days away!  I am so excited for a number of reasons.  First, what started out as my own person struggle has become a bigger victory than I ever imaged.

As a parent, it was hard for me watching my daughter struggle one school year.  My happy go lucky child had become a sad little girl that lacked self confidence.  She was experiencing bullying at school.  One day she asked if should could stay home from school.  I asked if she felt back, if she was sick, and why did she not want to go to school.  When we arrived at her school, I pulled up to the walk way to drop her off.  As I sat there and waited for her to enter the building, I noticed some boys at the flag pole talking to her.  So, I rolled my window down and heard them calling her names.  She has just stepped out of the car and had not even started her day at school.  She was the target of their jokes and name calling.  This infuriated me!  I yelled back at them, "don't talk to my daughter like that!"  I put my car in park and into the school I went!  I talked to her teacher and the boys' teacher.  Sadly, that wasn't her only experience... I made a vow to take a stance and to take action against bullying.  

I am nervous (about the event) because this will be the little ones' that I have been working with first time on stage and performing for a large crowd.  I just want them to have fun and do their best.. 

For the last 9 weeks, children of the Kloud Nine Kids summer camp meet each week with a short amount of time to learn a dance routine and step.  At the end of the 9 week period, their parents were invited to watch them perform.

Words cannot begin to express the pride I felt as the children from my Kloud Nine Summer Camp prepared to "take the floor" and perform for the first time for their parents.  As I gave them a pep talk and reminder of what they would be doing, the kids could barely contain themselves.  They axiously awaited their BIG moment!  Some being leaders reminding the others of what they were supposed to do.  Others sought me for assistance or encouragement as we did our final run through before their performance.  They were so hype, full of energy, and so happy to be doing something they enjoy ... stepping! 
When it was time for their performance, they all held their heads high!  With confidence and pride, they did each step they learned over the past nine weeks.  Some off beat and some a step ahead but in that moment, none of that mattered.  The fact that they learned so much in a short period of time and the once shy timid group now had the confidence to take the stage and become the STARS they all have the potential to be. 
I am so very proud of each of them!  Thank you to the parents for allowing me to work with their children.  Thank you to the community center and Mr. Terrell.  Your support and assistance extends beyond me has touched the lives and hearts of my group of kids.... thank you!

From the moment the story hit the media, there was much controversy surrounding George Zimmerman and Trayvon Martin.  When I first heard of the case, my heart ached as a mother.  How could anyone take the life of another?  How dare he (George Zimmerman)?  I cried, for I could only imagine the sadness and emptiness that Trayvon's parents must have felt and that they still feel today.  So much surprised me about the crime committed, the way law enforcement handled the investigation and filing charges, and the jury finding him not guilty?!  As I think of the 911 call Zimmerman  made as he followed Trayvon Martin,  he was advised not to follow Trayvon and to allow law enforcement to do their job.  So, my view is at that point, that should have been the end.  If a grown man felt threatened by a 17 year old boy walking through the neighborhood, why would you follow him?  How could Zimmerman stand is ground, when he left his ground the moment be began to tread along in Trayvon's footsteps before shooting and killing him?  It saddens me that any parent loses their child. 
A group on Facebook, Justice for Trayvon Martin (www.facebook.com/JusticeforTrayvon ) shared the photo that my children and I took as a tribute to Trayvon.  I was honored because before we took the picture, I sat down with my children and explained to them what happened and why it was important to me for us to make a statement by taking a photo as a tribute to Trayvon Martin.  I was disguised at the many negative and racist comments.  I understand people have different views, but I don't understand how can anyone can the injustice is just. 

"Like a child the day before school begins or a child anxiously awaiting St. Nicholas, I am super excited today because it's the first day of my "steppers" summer camp program!  I enjoyed meeting all the beautiful children last week and can't wait to work with each of them!  It is my hope that in the process, I will have a posivite empact of each child I encounter.  Keep me in your thoughts!  I will be standing in prayer that the work I do will be pleasing to God and the calling he has placed on my life.  I am thanking you all in advanced for your support!"  ~ K. Johnson 

I am excited to introduce Kloud Nine Kids!  Several years ago, as I was driving, a phrase popped in my head.  I didn't know or realize at that moment that God was planting a seed for me to nurture and grow.  I have always been passionate about bettering the community but even more passionate about the lives of young people.  Our children are a direct reflection of us as parents, family members, and members of the community.  It is our responsibility to provide support and encouragement to children and their families.  Before we can rebuild our communities, we must first rebuild families, build up our children's self-esteem and confidence, and lead by example.  I am so thankful to God for planting this seed in my heart and blessing me with the tenacity to endure and overcome many obstacles.  Thus, bringing me through, and to the point of my vision becoming tangible.  To God be the glory for the gifts has bestowed upon me and for allowing me to share them with young people.

Thank you to everyone that pushes me to keep going, that reminds me during difficult times not to give up, that encourages me to take chances, and that remind me that God is in control!  I love you all! I also want to thank those that challenge (doubt) me and questioned my vision and/or me...because of you, I didn't give up!  So, I thank you!

"Lifting each child up to reach their full potential.." ~ Katrice Johnson.