Friday, February 7, 2025
56.7 F
Roseville

Wheelchair-Using Eagle Scout

Only a select few Boy Scouts earn the rank of Eagle and fewer yet become one while using a wheelchair. Josh Swoverland of Avon, Indiana, is an Eagle Scout who was born with a spinal cord abnormality, a club foot, and paralysis in both feet.

Eighteen-year-old Swoverland said in a telephone interview, “I used to use a walker until kindergarten but getting around with it was too slow. So I switched to using a wheelchair.”

Over time growing up, Swoverland became a successful wheelchair athlete. In high school, he began focusing the bulk of his attention on track and basketball, with the intent of eventually earning a full-ride college scholarship in one of those sports. He said, “I really enjoy the competition and wheelchair track and basketball are really competitive.”

He also has enjoyed competitive swimming and in that sport this July participated in St. Louis at the National Junior Disability Championships, a Paralympics-style meet.

As for his becoming an Eagle Scout, don’t think for a moment his leader removed or altered any of the more difficult requirements. When Swoverland began Scouts, his Scoutmaster instructed the adult leaders and troop to “not make anything easier or different for me,” he said. “They treated me like everyone else.”

He especially enjoyed camping and helping out the younger boys. Also, Scouting gave him the opportunity to cook, something his mother seldom allowed him to do when at home. In case something went awry, his father always came along on camping trips.

Swoverland attributed most of his success in life to his parents, who have treated him “just like any other kid,” he said. “Also, my parents always pushed me in sports to be the best I can be. When I was younger, there were days I didn’t want to (practice) and they pushed me anyway. Now when I don’t want to (practice), I can push myself to do it because they made me when I was younger.”

For next year in college, he is considering majoring in sports psychology and would like to compete in wheelchair track or basketball for Illinois or Arizona. Eventually, he would like to become a motivational speaker.

He said, “I really like kids and want to be a role model. I’ve always believed having a strong attitude towards everything can help you accomplish your goals and I want to help people do that.”



Brighter Side

Trending

Roseville welcomes US Quadball West Coast National Qualifier this weekend

Roseville, Calif. - Quadball, an action-packed sport that evolved from the Harry Potter novels, will hold its only West Coast national qualifier Saturday, Feb. 8, and Sunday, Feb. 9 at Maidu Regional Park in Roseville.

Lowest Gas Prices in Roseville, Rocklin, & Lincoln

Roseville, Calif. - Gas prices continue to push higher above the $4 per gallon mark at many locations around South Placer County. Roseville consistently remains the low price leader while Rocklin and Lincoln residents consistently pay higher energy costs across the board.

Beryozka – European Market in Rocklin

Beryozka European Market in Rocklin, Calif.

El Burrito Taqueria in Roseville

El Burrito Taqueria in Roseville. Our goal is to provide a fantastic experience for our guests. We use the best ingredients to create all of our authentic Mexican dishes.

Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy

As we age, we approach the "pausal" years. For women, it's known as Menopause. For men, it's known as Andropause. During these transitional times in life, it's as if the sex glands go into retirement and there can be a lot of changes,

Topics

Roseville welcomes US Quadball West Coast National Qualifier this weekend

Roseville, Calif. - Quadball, an action-packed sport that evolved from the Harry Potter novels, will hold its only West Coast national qualifier Saturday, Feb. 8, and Sunday, Feb. 9 at Maidu Regional Park in Roseville.

Lowest Gas Prices in Roseville, Rocklin, & Lincoln

Roseville, Calif. - Gas prices continue to push higher above the $4 per gallon mark at many locations around South Placer County. Roseville consistently remains the low price leader while Rocklin and Lincoln residents consistently pay higher energy costs across the board.

Beryozka – European Market in Rocklin

Beryozka European Market in Rocklin, Calif.

El Burrito Taqueria in Roseville

El Burrito Taqueria in Roseville. Our goal is to provide a fantastic experience for our guests. We use the best ingredients to create all of our authentic Mexican dishes.

Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy

As we age, we approach the "pausal" years. For women, it's known as Menopause. For men, it's known as Andropause. During these transitional times in life, it's as if the sex glands go into retirement and there can be a lot of changes,

Placer Conservation Authority takes step toward securing 4,245 acres of land easement acquisitions north of Lincoln

Auburn, Calif. - Approximately 4,245 acres of prime farmland, natural open space and environmental resources north of Lincoln is a step closer to being secured in perpetuity as part of the Placer County Conservation Program.

Boot Juice and Blü Egyptian in Auburn at Foothills Fillmore Feb 22

Auburn, Calif.- Keep Smilin' Promotions is bringing the much sought after Boot Juice to the Foothill Fillmore. The co-billed event also includes Blü Egyptian which has been described as "somewhere where Jimi Hendrix, Jerry Garcia, Joe Satriani & Buckethead are all infused in a Talking Heads state of mind."

Rocklin Unified and Rocklin Teachers Professional Association reach tentative agreement

Rocklin, Calif. - The Rocklin Unified School District (RUSD) and the California School Employees Association (CSEA), Chapter #773, are pleased to announce a tentative agreement for the 2024-25 academic year.

Related Articles

Local Spotlight

Paul Black’s Window Cleaning serving Roseville and South Placer County for over 30 years

Paul Black’s Window Cleaning Inc. has been serving Placer County’s commercial and residential window cleaning needs since 1990.

California Fence and Patio serving Placer County for over 30 years

Loomis, Calif. - California Fence & Patio is proud of their reputation as the premier fencing and patio cover contractor in the Roseville,, Sacramento and Placer County region.

Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center emphasizes the use of prevention and natural therapeutics

Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center is a professional primary care natural medicine committed to helping all people reach their full potential – mind, body and spirit.