Chattanoogan Jordan Thomas has been chosen as a CNN Top 10 Hero for his work raising funds to provide prosthetics for children in need, according to a CNN news release.

"What a great honor," Mr. Thomas said from Charleston, S.C., where he was wrapping up mid-terms at the College of Charleston. "This is the greatest honor of my life."

Mr. Thomas, a 20-year-old McCallie School graduate, lost both legs in a boating accident in 2005 and is the founder of the Jordan Thomas Foundation. He was named a Top 10 hero Thursday afternoon by CNN's Anderson Cooper, who announced one hero every hour throughout the day.

"I had to take a final early so I could watch it," Mr. Thomas said. "It was very cool, and I'm so thrilled, but it is more of a testament to the community we live in. I think everyone is a part of this."

Each hero receives $25,000 and becomes eligible to win $100,000 as the CNN Hero of the Year.

The mission of the Jordan Thomas Foundation, according to Director Janet Jobe, is to help children of traumatic injury with prosthetics until they reach age 18.

Mr. Thomas said the foundation has raised more than $400,000. His initial goal was $500,000. The foundation is looking at ways to "achieve parity for amputees," he said.

"Many insurance companies put a cap of $5,000 for prosthetics. My legs cost $24,000," he said. "Kids need new legs every 18 months, so you can imagine the burden that puts on families who are already dealing with a huge burden."

From a pool of more than 9,000 applications, the CNN Top 10 Heroes were chosen by a panel that included Ted Turner, retired Gen. Colin Powell, Sir Elton John and others, according to the news release.

The heroes will be honored at "CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute" at 9 p.m. Nov. 26 on CNN. The gala will be hosted by Mr. Cooper at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood and will feature celebrities honoring everyday heroes.