Patrick Ivison is nothing if not goal-oriented. Paralyzed with a spinal cord injury at age 2, the 17-year-old quad from San Diego has amassed quite a list of achievements for one so young. In addition to being a star student, he is an ambassador for Life Rolls On — a nonprofit organization serving young people with disabilities — plays wheelchair rugby and is a pioneer in disabled surfing.

And when he achieved his latest goal — walking at his high-school graduation — NBC’s Today Show was there to cover it. After working for three years with Project Walk, an intensive rehab program based in Carlsbad, Ca., Ivison used a walker to cross the stage and accept his diploma. “I feel good,” he told NBC.

Learn more about Ivison at www.liferollson.org. For more information about Project Walk, go to www.projectwalk.org.