600 rally for Thomas in CNN local search

Blue pompons, pennants and homemade signs bearing the name of Jordan Thomas were displayed Friday at the Hunter Museum of American Art, but not as part of the permanent exhibit.

About 600 supporters of the McCallie School graduate, who recently was named a Top 10 CNN Hero, gathered inside the museum Friday morning for a celebratory rally.

"It's a huge honor to be recognized alongside nine of the greatest humanitarians in the world," the 20-year-old Mr. Thomas said outside the museum. "It's extremely humbling."

Earlier in October, Mr. Thomas was chosen from more than 9,000 submissions from 100 countries as one of the Top 10 CNN Heroes, which spotlights citizens accomplishing great things.

On Nov. 26, CNN will announce the CNN Hero of the Year. People can vote through Nov. 18.

Mr. Thomas lost both of his legs in a boating accident in Florida in 2005. While still recovering, he founded the Jordan Thomas Foundation to provide prosthetics to children who can't afford them.

"I don't feel I did anything extraordinary, I just tried to change something that wasn't right, and to be recognized for that is very satisfying because I know we are going to be able to help so many more kids now through this recognition," Mr. Thomas said.

With hundreds of McCallie and St. Nicholas school students -- the elementary and high schools he attended -- cheering for him, a small plane with a trailing sign that read "Vote for Jordan Thomas" flew over the city's downtown. Inside the museum, a CNN video of Mr. Thomas played.

"I'm excited, he's an awesome person," said AnnaBeth Harris, an 11-year-old St. Nicholas student.

She said people should vote for Mr. Thomas because "he can change a lot of people's lives."

Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey also delivered a proclamation declaring Nov. 6, 2009, as Jordan Thomas Day in Chattanooga, and U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., sent a recorded a message in which he offered Mr. Thomas all his support and his vote.

"Jordan is setting an example that you can really do things to help others and anybody can do it," said Dr. Vic Thomas, Jordan's father. "It's very exciting."

Tyler Petty, a senior at McCallie School, said he came to the event "because Jordan really had an impact on me when I was a freshman.

"Everyone knew about him losing his legs, but just to see who he was as a person. ... He was the senior of the class I connected with the most, and if anyone deserves that award it is Thomas," Mr. Petty said.

JORDAN THOMAS

* A McCallie School graduate who lost both of his legs in 2005 after he was struck by a boat propeller while scuba diving in Florida.

* The same year, the now 20-year-old man founded the Jordan Thomas Foundation and has raised more than $400,000 to help children of traumatic injury get prosthetics until they're 18.

* In October, he was chosen as a Top 10 CNN Hero and will be honored together with the other nominees at "CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute" at 9 p.m. on Nov. 26 on CNN.

GET INVOLVED

To learn more about the Jordan Thomas Foundation, visit www.jordanthomasfoundation.org or write the group at P.O. Box 22764, Chattanooga TN 37422.

TO CAST YOUR VOTE

The deadline is Nov. 18. Go to www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/cnn.heroes/vote/.