Staff photo by Allen Worrell Levi Horton is hugged by members of Carroll County's softball team Friday, just moments after he and his grandfather were recognized with lifetime passes to varsity games at Carroll County because of Horton's inspiration to the team.

slideshow

Allen Worrell

Editor

For the inspiration he’s provided to Carroll County’s softball team in 2012, Levi Horton will never have to pay to attend another regular season varsity game at the high school.

Horton, 13, was born with a tumor in his head, which he was diagnosed with when he was 18 months old. After undergoing two earlier operations, he lost his eyesight after a 2005 surgical procedure. But that has done little to stop the local teenager, who continues to inspire the community with his gospel singing and works in the church. In fact, Levi just recently announced his calling to preach. He currently attends Vision Assembly of God in Collinsville, where his father Cas preaches. The family just recently completed their first family CD and they’ve taken the name of Horton Family Ministries. Levi, of Hillsville, is currently a student at New Life Christian Academy.

During the course of the 2012 season, he also began to attend Carroll County’s varsity softball games. Horton’s story inspired the Cavaliers so much the team decided to do something to recognize him. Prior to Carroll’s Southwest District game with Tazewell on Friday, Horton and his grandfather Eugene were given lifetime passes to attend any regular season varsity game at Carroll County.

“It was Jordan Nunn’s idea. Levi inspired her and the rest of the team, and she wanted to do something to recognize him,” Carroll County head softball coach Mark Harmon said. “Levi’s been sick just about all of his life, but he never grumbles, never complains. He’s just been a real inspiration to the team.”