Pine Crest senior to receive Spirit of Sport Award

Legally blind, Harvard-bound Boca Raton native ran track and cross country

Jacob Goldberg has a different perception of the world, and for that, he is grateful.

The Pine Crest senior has a perpetually upbeat attitude, a 4.65 grade point average and an acceptance letter to Harvard. Goldberg is also a top performer on the Panthers' cross country and track teams.

But with his 20/150 vision and Tourette syndrome, Goldberg is also legally blind and constantly at war with his body. Goldberg cannot drive. He struggles to read, as everything further than a few inches away is a blur. And because his ocular problem is retinal, surgery is unlikely to help.

It's a daily struggle, and he admits that struggle has plenty to do with his astounding success.

"I'm very grateful for what I have, and I'm very grateful for what I don't have," the affable Goldberg said. "My main motto, everyday is to always be optimistic and to look at the day as an new opportunity, a new way to have an experience."