Part of the Girl Scout Law is to be considerate, caring, courageous and strong. Elizabeth Burton, a junior at Pattonville High School and soon-to-be Gold Star Girl Scout, lives all of these characteristics and more. Diagnosed in the fifth grade with an orthopedic impairment due to a rare condition called Ataxia-Telangiectasia, Elizabeth has learned different ways to do many physical tasks, but has not slowed down or narrowed her busy schedule inside or outside of school.

A Girl Scout since kindergarten, Elizabeth has earned the Bronze and Silver Awards and is well on her way to earning the Gold Award with her blog “Adventures of a Teenage Wheelchair User.” In it, she documents experiences in her life using a wheelchair. She has included blog posts about trips to the theater, local attractions, parks, road trips, and to the local food bank where she regularly volunteers.

Along with being a strong student, Elizabeth participates in National Honor Society, Community Service Club, Key Club and Educators Rising at school. Outside of school, she takes piano lessons and enjoys participating in archery through the Disabled Athlete Sports Association.

“Elizabeth embraces life with a happy, positive attitude,” said orthopedic impairment teacher Tracy Heiland. “Her outstanding attitude and willingness to help others is inspirational. I wish everyone could have a chance to meet Elizabeth, because she focuses on what people can do!”