Maddie Wilson is not the average high school kid. Her world revolves around robots, architecture, academics, athletes, and musical but is not hindered at all by Crohn’s disease. Maddie was diagnosed in March of 2009 with this life-changing disease. Instead of changing her life, she became more determined.

Maddie was determined to be a leader in something she loved, Bots IQ. Maddie devotes most of her time during the school year to the competitive robot-creating team, advised by Mr. Glamp and Mr. Brandt.

“Maddie is one of the most dedicated members,” said Katie Hillebrecht, another junior on the team. Maddie has earned her way up the totem pole in bots, for she is one of the few on this year’s team who isn’t a rookie.

She started bots last year when her “favorite” teacher, Mr. Repko, offered the opportunity. She quickly discovered that she loved the engineering aspect of robot design. “I like how hands on it is and the critical thinking aspect,” said Wilson.

Captain of the junior Bots IQ team, Maddie keeps the team up to date and organized with paperwork. “Maddie was awarded this position because of her many strengths. Maddie is extremely hard working, very organized, and pleasant to be around,” said Mr. Glamp. Maddie thinks bots is fun, but this team has also helped her plan the rest of her life.

“It has helped to know that I would like to have engineering in my life. So, I may minor in it in college,” said Wilson. Maddie plans to study architecture and engineering. She has looked at a few colleges but hasn’t decided on any specific school yet. Not only does Maddie have a tinkering mind, she also has an athletic zeal.

Maddie feels most at home as a fielder in softball. She has been committed to softball since 3rd grade.  She climbed through the levels starting with little league, moving to majors, and going on to high school. When Maddie learned to dive in the outfield, she was already diving into musicals.

Maddie has been caught up in GLSD’s show business world for five years. “I have always loved theater. So, to audition was not a choice but an action. I knew I would just love it,” said Wilson. When Maddie was young, she started acting with Stage Right. Later, she moved on to the Bethany Players and from there she went on to act at the junior high, high school, and church. Acting is a major part of Maddie’s life and she is determined to not let Crohns disease get in the way.

As Maddie has excelled in unique aspects of academia, athletics and art, she has also excelled in living with a chronic disease in her daily life. She was diagnosed with Crohns in 7th grade with two medications that she learned she was allergic to. Now, she takes one medication to control Crohns, another for her intestines and another for her immune system. Although, the medication is now effective, Maddie will have to deal with the disease for the rest of her life.

During the summer she connects with others battling Chrons to become more comfortable with herself. Camp Oasis helps campers know that they are not alone, and that they can connect with many new and old friends through outdoor fun like hiking, tennis, tubing, etc.  A person battling a chronic disease at Camp Oasis can do anything anyone else can accomplish because of a determined mind.

Maddie’s determined mind allows her to reach more than the average.  “But you gotta do it, if you want everything,” said Wilson. Maddie certainly does do everything; when she is not singing and acting on stage, she is managing the Bots IQ team, playing softball, or working to reach her academic goals.