The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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January 16, 2013

Cobe reaches out to help other kids

By Phyllis Zorn, Staff Writer Enid News and Eagle

ENID, Okla. — Even though his life is full of daily challenges, Cobe Clark is reaching out to help kids who are not as blessed as him.

The Enid High School junior, who was born blind and has been diagnosed with autism, pervasive developmental disorder, Prader-Willi syndrome and low muscle tone on his left side, refuses to learn to be “helpless.”

“Instead of using that as an excuse for not succeeding, he uses that as stepping stones,” said his mother, Gigi Moore.

Cobe’s greatest gift is his musical ability. He can listen to a song one time, then go to the piano and play it.

“He uses music as the universal thread to communicate with others,” Moore said.

Cobe, a lifelong Enid resident, is the accompanist for the high school’s select choir, mixed choir and show choir.

When he learned about the EHS Student Council’s fundraising project this week, Students Helping Other Kids, Cobe made the decision to forego the birthday party his parents would have thrown for him next week, and give that money to SHOK instead.

“I want them to have what they need,” Cobe said. “They are less fortunate than me.”

This evening, during the SHOK Hop at the gymnasium, Cobe will present a $300 check for the fundraiser.

He’ll celebrate his birthday at the dance with cake and balloons.

Cobe plays piano in a band called “Blazin,” and serves as an ambassador for AMBUCS. He also helps with Children’s Miracle Network and Salvation Army. He performs as part of First Friday.

His musical talents also have garnered him an invitation to travel to New York later this year, to be one of 20 youths from across the nation to take part in the “Genius of Autism” event. He will play piano at Carnegie Hall.

In addition to the SHOK Hop this evening, other SHOK events this week include a Monday volleyball tournament, Tuesday 3-on-3 basketball, Wednesday bake sale and Friday silent auction.

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