Meet the Young Champion Selected by the Hearts of Gold Committee in Arlington Heights

Shane Smith ’27 was as surprised as anyone to learn that he was on the list of the Hearts of Gold Award winners in Arlington Heights. Specifically, he was named the Young Champion by the Hearts of Gold Committee, which recognizes a middle or high school student who has made an exceptional impact on the local community.

He is one of 11 exceptional volunteers – and the only student – recognized for having gone above and beyond to give back to the Arlington Heights community. They will be honored Feb. 22 at a formal banquet.

“Service is a big part of my life,” Shane says. “I altar serve at Saint James and try to help wherever I can.”

It was that commitment to service that drove him to earn the rank of Eagle Scout as a member of Boy Scout Troop 34 in Arlington Heights. Its leaders describe the troop as “boy-run,” consequently, many of its members take on leadership responsibilities and advance through the ranks to Eagle Scout.

Shane is one of them. In search of a meaningful project that would enhance the lives of others, Shane turned to a program that was a big part of his life in elementary school: the band at Saint James School.

While working with the Band Director at Saint James School, James Conroy, Shane learned that the jazz band could use new music stands. Shane led Scouts and other volunteers in constructing the new stands out of wood, but he also created custom fronts with the Saint James logo and jazz band spelled out in a large, colorful font, much like big band music stands.

“The stands turned out beautifully and are now used at every band concert for our jazz band,” Conroy says. “They are sturdy, high-quality, and look great on stage, and both the students and I truly love using them. 

“We are incredibly grateful for this thoughtful and impactful donation,” he adds. “Regular fronts are expensive and mostly lower quality, so these have been amazing.”

Shane played the tuba in the Saint James School band, and he continues to play tuba in Saint Viator High School’s band program, all while competing in football, wrestling, and track.

As for why he chose to create these custom music stands for Saint James, Shane says simply: “I thought it would bring new life to the band.”