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John and Stephanie Smith were honored as this year’s recipients of the Crossover Mission Unity Award for their continued and enthusiastic support of Crossover Mission. Founded in Feb. 2014 by Antoine Jennings and Cathy De Schouwer, the organization works to empower at-risk youth to reach their full potential through sports and education.

John and Stephanie Smith. Photo: Denise Ritchie

The Unity Award was presented last Saturday afternoon just prior to their fourth annual Sheriff’s Exhibition Basketball Game at the Gifford Youth Achievement Center gymnasium, pitting Indian River County Sheriff’s Office players against Crossover Mission coaches and volunteers.

The Smiths were the third recipients of the award, which was presented last year to Freddie Woolfork, and in its inaugural year to the Community Church of Vero Beach.

“As most of you know, Crossover Mission is a basketball and academic program working to lift up young people in our community,” said De Schouwer. “But Crossover was also formed as a bridge between people who are different – people of different races, ages, genders, religions, educational levels and socioeconomic standing from within our community, in hopes of inspiring friendship and understanding. In fact, unity, to help erode the walls of separation which continue to divide our society.”

De Schouwer noted that the Smiths have been part of the Crossover Mission since its very first year. Among other things, in addition to financial support, they have attended every basketball game, tutored numerous students and have also mentored some adults. They volunteered countless hours to help set up the Crossover Center, they advocate for students in the school system, take students to cultural events and give financial training courses.

Photo: Gordon Radford

“We appreciate you more than you know,” said De Schouwer.

“We’re both teachers,” said Stephanie Smith, when asked what initially prompted them to volunteer. “For me, and probably for John, the fact that it was kids who were at risk was very important to me. As a teacher of gifted and talented, I knew that there was tremendous talent in that group.”

Earlier, friends, family members and supporters watched as Jennings coached his ‘Under 16’ team to a win against the ‘Punishers’ from Sebastian.

“He’s the kind of guy that any parent would want their kid to grow up to be like,” said Rev. Dr. Bob Baggott, of Jennings, who has overcome great adversity to become an exemplary role model to the entire community.

“He takes these kids and he molds them into the best they can be, to the best of their abilities and talents. If you ever think the world is going to hell in a handbasket, just sit down with Antoine and have him tell you the story of some of these kids and what they are achieving.”

Stephanie and John Smith receive the Crossover Mission Unity Award from Cathy De Schouwer, Quincy Jefferson, and Antoine Jennings. Photo: Denise Ritchie

Board president Brad Lorimer said that the need for their services continues to grow.

“We need greater capacity to serve these kids. We have about 75 active kids in the program and we have at least 200 kids that could be really helped,” said Lorimer, noting that in addition to funding, they need volunteer tutors, mentors and coaches.

“We’re dealing with kids that are truly at-risk; kids that generally have limited, if any, support from traditional supporters, family basically,” he added. “And so the leadership of Cathy De Schouwer and Antoine Jennings provided a way to fulfil some of that need. They’re remarkable people, remarkable leaders.”

For more information, visit crossovermission.com.