ChairScholars Success Stories

CHAIRSCHOLAR GRADUATE BETH KOLBE COMPETES IN 2008 SUMMER OLYMPICS

Hello friends and family! Since many of you have expressed an interest in hearing about my competitions at the Paralympics, I've decided to start a blog where I will post updates and photos of my adventures in Colorado, Japan, and Beijing. The link is http://bethkolbe.blogspot.com I hope you enjoy following along with what is sure to be a very exciting 2008 Paralympic Games! All the best, Beth Kolbe

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CHAIRSCHOLAR GRADUATE
JACKIE BARTELS CROWNED MS. WHEELCHAIR TEXAS 2007

2002 ChairScholar Jackie Bartels is the personification of our motto “No physical Impairment Should Deter a Motivated Mind”. After being crowned “Ms. Wheelchair Texas 2007” Jackie went on to compete for “Ms. Wheelchair USA” We are proud to report that she placed 3rd in the “Ms.Wheelchair USA” competition and was selected “Ms.Congeniality.”

Jackie attended the University of Texas Arlington through the support of a wheelchair tennis scholarship and a ChairScholars Foundation National scholarship. She recently received her bachelor's degree in Graphic Design and is working as a graphic designer.

Jackie was born and raised in rural Nebraska. At age 13 she was helping her grandparents fix a broken windmill at their family farm when she fell about 20 feet. Jackie sustained a spinal cord injury that left her paralyzed from the waist down.

From the onset of her disability, Jackie has remained active; nothing has gotten in her way. She is active in many sports, including wheelchair tennis, adaptive snow and water skiing and wheelchair basketball. In fact, in high school she tried out and made the cheerleading squad. She did the hand movements from her chair and even served as the base for stunts. Jackie’s enthusiasm and “can-do” spirit lead to her becoming captain of the squad. She is currently a part of a non-profit organization called RISE Adventures. R-recovery, I-inspiration, S-success, E-empowerment. The organization is dedicated "To help persons with physical challenges gain independence through a learning experience in adaptive outdoor adventures and sporting programs."

As Ms. Wheelchair Texas 2007, Jackie attends events throughout the state of Texas and the United States, promoting disability awareness and serving as a spokeswoman for people with disabilities. Jackie truly believes that "where there is a will, there is a way."
Her goal is to be a catalyst for attitudinal changes, an advocate for eliminating architectural barriers and an inspiration to help others find the courage to adapt and overcome adversity.