'A remarkable young man': 7th grader donates $15K from hog auction to children's hospital

Jordan Culver

An Ohio seventh grader whose generosity has gone viral is being hailed as a hero by his school district for donating thousands of dollars to a children's hospital.

Western Reserve Local Schools on Saturday posted about Diesel Pippert, 12, who donated all of his livestock premiums from the large animal sale at the Huron County (Ohio) Fair to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

He raised $15,000, according to the school district.

"A young man lives amongst us who should be an example to us all," Western Reserve Local Schools posted on Facebook.

The district added, "Diesel, you are a hero!"

Western Reserve Local Schools Superintendent Rodge Wilson told USA TODAY he was "incredibly proud" of Diesel.

"I think that is someone whose actions go beyond what our society’s expectations are and gives us inspiration to act upon our higher self in every situation," Wilson said

He added, "It’s an affirmation that the Western Reserve community is a great place to live."

Western Reserve Schools seventh grader Diesel Pippert raised $15,000 by auctioning off a hog at the Huron County (Ohio) Fair
Western Reserve Schools seventh grader Diesel Pippert raised $15,000 by auctioning off a hog at the Huron County (Ohio) Fair

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Cynthia Gardner of American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, said Diesel's “kindness demonstrates that age does not limit kids from fundraising and making a difference in the lives of other children battling cancer at St. Jude."

“Diesel’s compassion and generosity are to be commended,” Gardner said in a statement to USA TODAY.

Mother Erin Sanders told CNN that Diesel had heard that a teen in nearby Medina County donated $11,000 from a hog auction to the nonprofit children's hospital and that her son wanted to raise more with his hog.

After Diesel told the crowd at the Saturday fair about his plans, the first bid started at $500 and soon rose to $15,000, Sanders told the network. She said she hopes that her son, who regularly auctions animals at the fair, will continue to donate his earnings to St. Jude.

"Our hearts are full of joy," she told CNN. "He's a remarkable young man."

Contributing: Ryan Miller

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ohio boy gave St. Jude Children's Research Hospital $15K from hog sale