Hersey students help wounded soldier build new home

Students at John Hersey High School raised more than $18,000 in just one month to build a new home for an injured Afghanistan War veteran.

The project, "Team Jason" in conjunction with STEPS2HOPE, an organization that rehabs and builds homes for wounded veterans, was started by Hersey teacher James Miks who met Army Sgt. Jason Smith when he was being honored for his service at Northwestern University.

Smith, who lives in Georgia with his family, was deployed to southern Afghanistan in March 25, 2012, for eight months but four months in he was injured by an IED blast that caused severe injuries to his arms and hands and amputation of both his legs.

Carolyn Niersbach, a Hersey senior, said most of the school's student groups pick their own causes to fundraise for, but this effort for Smith brought everybody together in one combined effort.

"This fundraiser has come to be characterized by student initiative, and we've seen a lot of our clubs and our student organizations all come together for one fundraising theme," said Niersbach. "To all come together for Jason has been really important for our school, and we've seen it have a huge impact on the whole culture."

The students began fundraising for Smith on Veterans Day and used activities such as a gingerbread house-building competition, basketball games and projects across the school's student clubs to bring a fun element to the fundraising.

In about a month's time, the students raised $18,000 toward a home for Smith.

"To me it is incredible that we were able to all come together as a school to raise that much money," said Mili Pandya, Hersey senior.

Following the fundraiser, the students and staff members invited Smith to their school on Dec. 19 to honor him and present him with a ceremonial check representing the $18,000 to build his home. Army Reserve soldiers from the 85th Support Command, based in Arlington Heights, were also invited to participate in the ceremony.

"I came out today just to support a fellow soldier in what he's been through," said Staff Sgt. Terence Barron, who has made two deployments. "It's always good to be around someone like that. It's the first time, for me, honoring someone like this."

Following his injury, Smith was hospitalized for nearly two months, followed by 4½ months in rehabilitation.

"It was very tough, grueling to learn how to do everything again," Smith said. "The blast put me in shock. I (felt) more angry than anything."

Now, Smith said he is just grateful. His new home is anticipated to be complete by early May 2015.

"It's an honor," said Smith. "Words can't explain how blessed I am for people that want to help my family, and to help me in our future endeavors in getting a home. It's just amazing."

• Daily Herald staff writer Melissa Silverberg contributed to this report.