Governor Kay Ivey announced Monday that Rodney Smith Jr., the Huntsville native behind the nationwide “Raising Men Lawn Care Service” movement, will be one of the special guests recognized during her final State of the State Address tomorrow evening.

As per tradition, she will also host school groups of high-achieving students from across the state. 

“These special guests represent the very best of our state,” Governor Ivey said. 

“An Alabamian who steps up to help veterans, talented students who share their gifts through music and young people proving what is possible in classrooms once written off – good things are happening across our 67 counties, and these guests help tell our success story in Alabama. I am proud to welcome them to the Capitol Tuesday evening as we continue working together to build an even stronger future for our state.”

In 2015, Smith turned one elderly neighbor’s lawn into a viral, 50-state mission that has since impacted the lives of many thousands across the nation and world.

Ivey said she will recognize Smith’s patriotism and service as Alabama prepares to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday in the coming year.

That initial act grew into what the governor described as a 50-state effort providing free lawn care for veterans, military families, first responders, and others in need.

5,153 young people have participated in the challenge as of January, the group reports.

“In over 8 countries, we have thousands of kids signing up to make a difference in their community by completing our 50 yard challenge. From our humble beginnings in Huntsville, Alabama, our organization has experienced tremendous growth in just 5 short years. Our steadfast goal has always remained the same: Making a difference, one lawn at a time.”

Since launching in Alabama, Smith’s Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service has become a viral hit across the globe — for a fundamental cause.

Smith credits his early growth to the “50 Yard Challenge” going viral online. Kids joined the challenge by posting a photo and committing to complete 50 free yards for people in need.

Since that time, major outlets including CBS News, Good Morning America, Fox News, and many others have featured Smith’s 50-state mission and the broader push to serve veterans and others who need help at home. Along the way, his work has drawn recognition beyond Alabama — including a proclamation in Reno, Nevada, naming February 8 “Rodney Smith Jr Day.”

Alongside Smith, the governor will recognize students from Booker T. Washington K-8 School in Birmingham, which the state has identified as one of Alabama’s “Turnaround” schools.