Eagle Scout just happens to rock his extra chromosome

I love it when I find a story of a young person with Down Syndrome doing something extraordinary.  As a parent of  child with Down Syndrome, I know a great concern we all have is for our child lead a normal life and have moments of triumph.  I have noticed that the Boy Scouts have repeatedly given young men with Down Syndrome the opportunity to do just that!

Read on about Ty Harvey from Texas and his outstanding achievement.

Down syndrome teen makes Eagle Scout

Updated: Friday, 20 Apr 2012, 6:03 PM CDT
Published : Friday, 20 Apr 2012, 4:56 PM CDT

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Ty Harvey was diagnosed with suspected Down syndrome while he was four months in his mother's womb. This week he has overcome all challenges to make Eagle Scout along with the rest of his friends.

The 17-year-old junior at Westwood High School admits he was a bit nervous when he first joined the scouts.

"I was kind of tense about scouts, but now I am an Eagle Scout and I passed all the requirements," Ty proudly said.

When he first joined, Ty's family never thought about him making Eagle, but his dad thought it would be good for him anyway.

"I knew it would be a great experience for Ty -- [I] figured he'd learn some independence as far as developing social skills," Paul Harvey said. "Ty has tremendous perseverance. He went through everything step by step."

Only 5 percent of scouts make it to Eagle Scout. Ty mastered things like knot tying, first aid, physical endurance, memorization and merit badges. But Ty's mom says the best part was seeing all the friends he made.

"I think the sweetest blessing in all this is just watching these kids and their response to him. It's wonderful," said Vickie Harvey.

Ty's favorite part of scouts is camping, and the best part of camping?

"I like the eating best," he said. He believes food tastes best outdoors.

Ty's accomplishment will be honored Sunday at the Hope Presbyterian Church at 2 p.m. The church sponsors his scout troop.

Ty's bedroom is filled with The University of Texas football regalia. So is his recreation room which he calls his man-cave. That's where many of his friends come over to play games and watch movies.

Ty is Longhorn through and through, even though dad and sister are Aggies.

Ty roots for all the Longhorn players but he has one special friend with the team. A photo of them together is now a poster on the wall.

Who is it?

"His name is Coach Mack Brown. He's my buddy," Ty answered.

Hook 'em Ty, hook 'em.

Be gentle.