Discus Awards

Laura Wheeling, a high school senior from Idaho, was recognized as 2010-2011 Discus Award winner for her achievements in arts, athletics, and other achievements. Once a highly competitive gymnast, Laura's ability to overcome difficult challenges defines who she is and why you should know about her. Diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis her freshmen year, a chronic, inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine, Laura was forced to give up gymnastics. She had been a gymnast for 14 years and was a Level 9 gymnast when she was forced to retire. During the course of her career, Laura qualified for 8 strate championships and 4 regional championships.  Even though she can no longer compete in gymnastics, she is currently in the process of being accredited as a gymnastics judge.

In addition to her passion for gymnastics, Laura is a junior representative for the band council and the lead singer, keyboardist, and guitarist in a local band She is also an actress who performed in a summer musical production of The Unsinkable Molly Brown, and a writer who has a poem published in a national middle school poetry anthology.

Laura on her future: "I'm looking forward to college and eventually medical school to pursue my dream of being a pediatric rheumatologist, to treat children like me, and advocate awareness for juvenile arthritis."

To learn more about Laura, visit her winner's profile.

Filed under: Discus Dan • All-Around High School Students • Discus Award Winner of the Day