Whiz Kid: Ellen Roisum Wins Two Bronze Medals, But Her Heart Is Gold

Whiz Kid:  Ellen Roisum, known to all as "Ellie"

Whiz Kid School: Curtis Jr. High

Whiz Kid Group:  UP Pride, Special Olympics Team, coached by Georgia Bonner, Jack and Steve

Whiz Kid Accomplishments:  Ellie, now 16,  was born with a congential heart defect. It was discovered after she went home as a newborn baby.  At nine days old, Ellie had her first of four open-heart surgeries to repair a valve and  to fix some extra tissue called stenosis. The "Ross Procedure" helped her along until she required another heart surgery. Her last heart surgery was at 13 years old, due to normal growth they replaced the valve.  Ellie had delayed development due to the surgeries and other complications, but she is a true survivor. Until recently Ellie was limited in her physical activties, but her heart is stable and she got the go-ahead from her cardiologist to participate this year in the Special Olympics.

Ellie and teammates have been practicing every Monday and Wednesday from 5:30 p.m.  to 6:30 p.m., at  the track.  They began practices in March, preparing for the April 30, all-Western Washington Special Olympic event at Mount Tahoma High School track.  The team kept at the practices even during those cloudy-then-rainy-then-sunny-then-cloudy-and-rain-again spring days.  They trained for many different events like the 5o-meter dash, 100-meter walk, 200-meter walk, long jump, 1500-meter, softball throw, etc.  All participants are invited to the regional event.  If they receive a silver or gold medal they are automatically invited to the state Special Olympic competition the first weekend in June at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Her mom would say time for track practice, and quickly Ellie would grab her tennis shoes.  She enjoys being outdoors, practicing and being with her teammates.  The UP Pride has about 15 to 20 other Special Olympic athletes. 

Ellie had three events: the 50-meter dash, 100-meter walk and softball throw.  She earned a bronze medal for both the 50-meter run and 100-meter walk.  In the softball throw, Ellie got a ribbon inscribed with message, "Skill, Courage, Sharing and Joy."  At the end of the event, all Olympians are met with a high-five.  When Ellie completed her track and field events, she was often heard repeating the phrase, "I did my best".  Ellie wore her medals proudly around the house with pride and joy of true competition.

Key to Awesomeness:  Ellie and her UP Pride teammates are hard at work practicing for the next competition at the state Special Olympics.  Often thousands of athletes qualify and participate in this meet. We congratulate them and wish them much success as they strive to do their best. Also, certain athletes can qualify for the World Special Olympics, which are going to be held in Greece this summer.  A teammate of Ellie's on the UP Pride Team has qualified for the world track meet.

Ellie is an honor student at Curtis Junior High, she was nominated recently for the Annual  CJH Achievement Breakfast at school for two categories: National Honor Society and Honor Roll at school. 

Ellie is involved in school , church and family activities. She has earned the highest honor for her youth group-young women recognition.  She loves  the Garfield comic strip, doing puzzles and watching Disney movies.  Her favorite movie right now is Tangled.  Ellie loves to spend time with her family camping, swimming and being together. 

Timothy and Margaret Roisum are the proud parents of Ellen Roisum and reside in University Place.

Congrats again, Ellie.

Know a youth that is awesome!  Have they made a special achievement?  Let's show case them.  It can be an individual, a team, or group.  Please send nominations to Marion Lybbert at mmlybbert@aol.com.