The Kid of the Year has been interviewed by many celebrities , including Kelly Clarkson .
“ You never know what each new day will bring , but when you keep the focus of where this mission started at your core , that has and will continue to guide us along this journey ,” she said . “ It ’ s about kindness and about making sure that we can do our part . Hopefully other people will be inspired to take on their part as well and just continue to make this world an even better place .”
Orion said that above all , he wants people to know that he ’ s not special . He ’ s a normal kid who has to go to school , get good grades and stay out of trouble .
Throughout his campaign , Orion caught the eye of some notable companies and celebrities . Chobani donated several pounds of food to his cause . Microsoft included him in its 2021 Legacy Program , an online gallery that honored 30 Black American achievers who are shaping the future today .
Soon after , megastars like Katy Perry and Kelly Clarkson took notice . Perry interviewed him on “ The Ellen Show ” in October 2021 . Clarkson invited Orion to her daytime show in February 2022 . They both ended their segments donating $ 10,000 to help him continue his mission .
Orion said his family has been his backbone , and he loves them very much .
“ I ’ m still just a kid ,” he said with a smile . “ I ’ m no different than you because anybody has the potential or power inside of them to be able to do something like this . I want other kids and adults and people to know that no matter what age or no matter who they are , they can do great things with their life .”
The young philanthropist has a list of occupations that he ’ s interested in when he grows up . He has already gotten a head start on his desire to be an author . ” A Kids Book About Leadership ,” written by Orion , was published in 2021 .
Orion said it ’ s hard to pinpoint his favorite moment of this journey , but he recalled a recent moment that he ’ ll never forget as he was throwing out the first pitch at the Texas Rangers opening day game .
“ I think one of my favorite moments of that day was to meet George W . Bush . That kind of put things in perspective to me like … I just met a president !” he added . “ I ’ m just so grateful , and I just have to remain humble because it ’ s not about me . I ’ m just a vessel for the message and trying to spread kindness .”
As one can imagine , the 11-year-old has had a busy schedule lately . He noted that his family is the anchor that keeps him grounded and the motivation he needs when days get rough . Orion ’ s mom , Kherri Jean , said that this entire campaign has been a learning experience for them all .
Former President George W . Bush congratulated Orion at the Rangers game .
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