Florida Teen with Overcomes Challenges to Become Eagle Scout

LANTANA, Fla. -- Tyler Marsh may have been born with a mild form of cerebral palsy, but he never considered it a disability.
“It just made me want to do more and more every day,” said Marsh, 17.
Still, Marsh didn’t walk until he was 2 1/2. One-third of his tongue is paralyzed, making it difficult for Marsh to speak clearly. He still has trouble walking up stairs and has had to tirelessly exercise the muscles around his mouth to learn how to smile.
But despite living with a brain disorder that effects millions, Marsh on Saturday earned a coveted Eagle Scout award, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America.

Teen with Down syndrome earns Eagle Scout rank

MILWAUKEE, Wis.- More than 70 people gathered last week at Dixon Elementary School to celebrate the promotion of Brookfield teenager Jonathan Schmit, who has Down syndrome, to the rank of Eagle Scout.

Jonathan, 16, began scouting with the Boy Scouts of America as a Cub Scout when he was 8. The troop was led by Jonathan's father, Brian Schmit, in the family's house.

"Lesson One was don't jump on the couch," Jonathan's mother, Michelle Schmit, said in a phone interview before the ceremony.

Eagle Scout With Autism Forges Forward

ALLEGAN, MIch. -- Jeremy Combs has autism but he hasn't let that prevent him from earning the rank of Eagle Scout.
The rigorous requirements to become an Eagle Scout include tough tests, and the majority of scouts do not make the grade.
"It's the hugest thing he's done in his life so far," said his mother, Marie Combs, a substitute teacher in Otsego, Allegan and Hopkins.
His autism symptoms include anger outbursts, problems socializing and loud speaking. Not only do these prove to be challenges in everyday life, they also added an extra degree of difficulty as Jeremy made the 10-year trek to Eagle Scout.
"Sometimes I get upset, and sometimes I get real mad," he said. "I try to control it, but it gets pretty hard."
Jeremy realizes there is something different about him. He spends a lot of time by himself. He has never been invited to a birthday party. He understands he doesn't quite fit in, according to his mother, but he forges ahead.