D230 Senior Wins IHSA Award: 'If You Can't Stand Up, Stand Out'

ORLAND PARK, IL — A Sandburg High School senior was named the winner of the National Federation of State High School Associations Heart of the Arts Award at a Friday evening performance on the school's football field.

Cater Schott, an 18-year-old from Orland Park received the honor for his dedication to marching band and learning to play his drum while still preform choreography in unison with the rest of his band mates. This accomplishment comes with Schott living with a condition called spinal muscular dystrophy, which affects the muscles.

Schott is active in over eight student activities at Sandburg including the marching band, pep band, jazz band and spring musical. He is also involved in competitive bass fishing and robotics teams.

Schott’s said he began playing the drums in junior high when he joined marching band. He said that although there was doubt he'd be able to get involved with the marching band, he and his dad were able to make it work.

"We figured out a way to mount the drums to my wheelchair and I'd play with my arm," Schott said. "That was the turning point at which I would continue doing band all the way through high school, because I just loved the marching and the music with it. It was amazing, and I formed a great group of friends I call family."

Schott was nominated for the award by Sandburg's Assistant Principal Gregory Gardner. Gardner said Schott is a remarkable student who has never let his physical challenges stop him from following his passions.

"I could not think of anyone who would be a better candidate for this type of award and recognition," Gardner said.

"Being able to work with our district and work with Carter to be able to facilitate him participating fully like anyone else has always been a goal of ours ... it comes with our goal of 'how can we make those special moments for many students each year?'"

Gardner said Schott is also a very active member in the community and dedicates much of his time to helping others.

"He also does a ton of community service and has done over 350 hours at a senior living facility near his house. He runs exercise classes for seniors that are living in assisted living," Gardner said. "It's just kind of person he is. He always wants to give back, and he's always making that positive impact, something that he doesn't really talk about. Being able to recognize that sort of self-giving person who could make different choices with how he wants to live his life ...

It's pretty remarkable what he's decided to do and how he's risen to the occasion."

Schott said receiving this award means a lot to him and that he didn't expect to win.

"It means so much. I didn't think I would win this award because I was going up against four or five different States, and there are so many people in this region," Schott said while thanking his teachers, Mr. Gardner, family and friends for helping him get to where he is now.

When is comes to surrounding doubt from others, Schott said he can do anything he sets his mind to.

"The quote I always use is 'if you can't stand up, stand out.' What you need to do in life is go above and beyond your limitations to believe in what you can do, and what you want to do," Schott said. "It will help you become a greater person and with also being differently abled, not disabled, it will help you accomplish more and overcome your disability or the things that go against you in life."

Before heading off to college, Schott is looking to get a wheelchair accessible vehicle complete with hand controls and has started a GoFundMe fundraiser asking for help.