OPELIKA- During Tuesday’s Opelika Council Meeting, in partnership with the city’s Charity Council
The council recognized the month of May’s Good Character to citizen Seth Carter.
Ward 5 Councilman Todd Rauch read a special proclamation to Carter.
“Those of you who are regular attenders know that we only recognize a community character each month. It is the biggest honor that we have as a city working with Envision Opelika and the Opelika Character Council, a program that they started last term.
There is no one more deserving than my good friend Seth Carter, and I am going to try not to get emotional because we’ve been friends for a long time, and you mean a lot to me”, said Rauch.
Today, I have the honor of representing the Opelika Character Award for the character or trait of patience to someone who has deeply impacted not only my life, but the lives of many people in our community, Mr. Seth Carter.
I met Seth first back in 2018 during my statehouse campaign while volunteering at the Miracle Field.
From the very beginning, I was inspired by him. What stood out to me was not just his determination, but his attitude, his positivity, his joy, and the way he approached life with such grace and strength.
Seth lives with cerebral palsy, and over the years, I have watched him face challenges that most of us could never fully understand. Over the years, the effects of cerebral palsy have become more difficult for him.
Seth has continued to show a level of patience that is truly extraordinary. In all my years, I can honestly say I’ve never met anyone who demonstrates patience the way that Seth Carter does.
In the Bible, many people think of Job when they talk about patience. Job endured suffering, uncertainty, hardship, and pain, yet he never allowed those struggles to define his spirit. Through it all, he remained faithful, resilient, and steadfast. In many ways, Seth reminds me of that same kind of strength.
While life has not always been easy for him, he continues to meet each day with courage, humility, and an uplifting spirit that encourages everyone around him. Even during difficult moments, Seth remains kind, appreciative, and upbeat. That kind of character cannot be taught. It is lived.
I also want to recognize his incredible family, his mother Jennifer, his sister Alice Ann, and his grandmother, who are here, surrounding Seth with constant love, care, and support. Their devotion to him is a beautiful example of family, compassion, and action.
Seth is more deserving of this recognition than anyone I know. He’s an inspiration to our community, especially to other families and individuals facing disabilities and hardships. His life reminds us that while we may not always control the challenges placed before us, we can control how we respond to them. Seth responds with patience, perseverance, grace, and faith.
It is my honor to represent Mr. Seth Carter with the Opelika Character Award for Patience”, said Rauch.
Mayor Eddie Smith made a statement on behalf of the council.
“It is with great pleasure that we acknowledge you for your outstanding character within the city of Opelika. Your goodwill towards mankind in our city has not gone unnoticed. We hope that others will see your good works and model your actions. Please be encouraged to continue making a difference in the city of Opelika and throughout the world”, said Smith.
