Extra Special People (ESP) is happy to announce that Charlie Battle is the recipient of the 2026 Drew Swan Sibling Scholarship. This scholarship is a one-year, non-renewable award, contingent upon acceptance or enrollment in a two-year or four-year nonprofit higher education institution. An award of $1,500 is given directly to the applicant’s school of choice based on merit within the competitive pool.
Charlie is a freshman at Lagrange College, where he is majoring in exercise science. He has three siblings, one of which is his twin brother Sam who has a disability. Charlie has been recognized for his leadership in adaptive sports, including Miracle League and an adaptive tennis league. He is the embodiment of ESP’s core values.
“While many people see Sam’s disabilities, I see my brother, best friend, and greatest teacher,” wrote Charlie in his application.
Matt Swan, Drew Swan’s brother, told Charlie, “It is really our family’s privilege that we get to help out and see you get to participate in a bigger chunk of it. My brother didn’t get that chance, but he was an immense kid who really, really dedicated himself to what he did and I can see that in you.”
Drew passed away on June 5, 2017, and his legacy along with his heart for his sister will live on through the Drew Swan Sibling Scholarship. This scholarship aims to recognize and support the remarkable role that siblings play in the lives of individuals with disabilities.
In addition to creating transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families, ESP is dedicated to full family support. Through the Drew Swan scholarship and ESP Sibs, ESP focused on the siblings who support and stand by their siblings in an extra special way.
ESP Sibs is a program that creates intentional space for the siblings of ESP members. ESP Sibs events allow siblings to connect with others that understand their experience.
“From a very young age, siblings learn to read a room and understand people’s intentions. In a crowded space, they can determine almost immediately whether their brother or sister is going to be okay. A certain look tells them when it’s time to leave, when to step in, and when to give space. These lessons were learned in the classroom of life, with a sibling beside them as one of their greatest teachers,” ESP CEO, Laura Hope Whitaker said
