Teen with cerebral palsy organizes Eagle Scout project at Veterans’ Home
As posted at: www.jconline.com/article/20081021/NEWS/810210308
BY BOB SCOTT • BSCOTT@JOURNALANDCOURIER.COM • OCTOBER 21, 2008
Seth Mullen’s parents, Dick and Michelle, have always emphasized the positives in his life.
Despite severe disabilities, Seth, 19, is on course to earn an Eagle Scout ranking. He is a member of Troop 338 with Faith Presbyterian Church in West Lafayette.
He organized and led 26 volunteers in a project Oct. 11 to scrape and seal 31 picnic benches at the Indiana Veterans’ Home.
“I feel happy and excited to have friends who would help me with my Eagle Project. I feel thankful,” he said.
Seth copes with the effects of severe cerebral palsy. He is nonambulatory and nonverbal. He speaks through a Pathfinder computer on the wheelchair. It converts keystrokes into spoken words.
He uses a motorized wheelchair and a service dog named Sonny. The golden retriever opens doors, picks up things and is a companion.
Seth said the Boy Scouts have been an important part of his life since first grade.
“The people are great and I have many friends,” he said. “I especially like to help others, and I can in Scouting in many different ways.”
The project volunteers worked a combined total of 96 hours. They included other Boy Scouts, church friends and even strangers.
Dick Mullen said a customer at his Aardvark Furniture and Graphics store overheard him talking about Seth’s project and showed up to help.
Seth has participated in Scout outings, including summer camps, a national Jamboree and tours of the Gettysburg battlefield, Thomas Jefferson’s home and the White House.
“Scouting is something that he loves,” said the proud father. “People have been accepting of him.”
Seth is a frequent volunteer at the Indiana Veterans’ Home, said Carolyn Johnson, the director of volunteer services.
“Seth comes with an aide and waters the flowers,” Johnson said. “He also does pet visits with the residents, who just love him.”
She said that Seth’s visits “inspire” the residents.
“It makes them realize they aren’t the only ones with problems,” Johnson said.
Seth is a 2007 graduate of Harrison High School. He is enrolled at Ivy Tech Community College.
“I’m studying to be a library technician,” he said. “I want to help people. I’d love to be a minister.”
Seth took photos of his Eagle Scout project to include with a follow-up report and a letter that will be sent to the Boy Scouts’ national office for review. After about three months, he will receive the proper paperwork so he can plan his Eagle Court of Honor in the spring.