State Honoree

James B. Kennedy III, 12, of Indianapolis, Ind., a sixth-grader at Creekside Middle School in Carmel, delivers frequent speeches about his experience with cerebral palsy, serves as a volunteer patient for therapy students, and raises money for the Timmy Foundation, which supports health and education initiatives in developing countries. Inspired by Dr. Chuck Dietzen, his doctor and the founder of the Timmy Foundation, James wanted to get involved in helping other people, too. He began speaking at schools and other places about the importance of focusing on what people can do, not what they can't do; about what it's like to have a disability; and about the work of the Timmy Foundation. James, who writes his own speeches, delivered more than 10 talks last year, often speaking for 30 minutes at a time.

For several years, he also has participated in annual wrestling matches that raise money for the foundation, and he led a drive at his own school to collect money and supplies for the same cause. In addition, James offered to be a "volunteer patient" to help students at the University of Indianapolis learn more about cerebral palsy. "I feel what I do is important because it helps people understand that even though I wear braces on my legs and use a walker at school, I am just like any other kid with the same feelings and dreams," James said.