“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
Former U.S. President John F. Kennedy spoke those words, and Jesse Smith is living them. A Carmel High School senior, Jesse has been recognized by St.Vincent Sports Performance as their Spirit of Sport Award Honoree.
When speaking to Jesse, many of you would immediately recognize him as a voice for Carmel Greyhound Athletics. Literally.
Serving as a play by play announcer on WHJE Radio for both varsity football and basketball, Jesse has proven himself as a competent and talented broadcaster. As an athlete himself, he qualified for state as a discus thrower on the CHS track and field team and will follow both of those pursuits as a freshman next year at Butler University.
But it is what Jesse has accomplished outside of his school activities that makes him truly special and worthy of St.Vincent’s recognition. He was born hearing impaired and also had a speech impediment. Through the work of the doctors and nurses at the facility now proudly known as Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, Jesse can hear. Major surgery was performed during his eighth grade year. With the help of speech therapy, Jesse now can not only tell us clearly what happened on the football field, but he can hear the crowd’s reaction as well.
In gratitude and along with his three siblings, Courtney Cooley, Brittany Smith and J.D. Smith, the Smith team will hold their third annual 5K Family Fun Run for Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital. So far, he has been able to raise more than $10,000 for the facility.
Jesse said, “Handing over a check is awesome, but raising awareness for the hospital is just as important. I take a lot of pride in this event and appreciate all of the adults who helped me when I needed it. I know this money will help make a difference in so many kid’s lives.”
Starting at 8:30 a.m. April 12 on the campus of Butler University, hundreds will show up to support the hospital. If you want to join in, contact Courtney Cooley at 460-7781 or by emailing [email protected].
And while Jesse can now hear the words spoken by President Kennedy, he has also chosen to listen to the message – “live by them.”
