And The Winner Is...
On September 17, 1994, Heather Whitestone became the first deaf Miss America at the tender age of 21. During her journey of competing for the title, she won the preliminary awards for both talent (ballet en pointe) and swimsuit. When it came time for the crowning moment, she and first runner up, Cullen Johnson (Miss Virginia), were both waited for the announcement that would change their lives forever. Because Heather could only read lips, once the announcement was made that she had won, Cullen had to confirm to Heather that she had become the very first deaf Miss America. Heather's win also marked a win for the state of Alabama, who had not had a girl win since Yolande Betbeze in 1951. Throughout her reign as Miss America, Heather promoted her program S.T.A.R.S and served as an executive member on the President's Committee on Employment of People Disabilities. She continued to be a motivational speaker for people of all ages influencing everyone to take on the day with a positive attitude.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heather_Whitestone
http://www.schenectady.k12.ny.us/users/title3/50States/Image11.gif
http://corbis.com www.pressofatlanticcity.com
On September 17, 1994, Heather Whitestone became the first deaf Miss America at the tender age of 21. During her journey of competing for the title, she won the preliminary awards for both talent (ballet en pointe) and swimsuit. When it came time for the crowning moment, she and first runner up, Cullen Johnson (Miss Virginia), were both waited for the announcement that would change their lives forever. Because Heather could only read lips, once the announcement was made that she had won, Cullen had to confirm to Heather that she had become the very first deaf Miss America. Heather's win also marked a win for the state of Alabama, who had not had a girl win since Yolande Betbeze in 1951. Throughout her reign as Miss America, Heather promoted her program S.T.A.R.S and served as an executive member on the President's Committee on Employment of People Disabilities. She continued to be a motivational speaker for people of all ages influencing everyone to take on the day with a positive attitude.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heather_Whitestone
http://www.schenectady.k12.ny.us/users/title3/50States/Image11.gif
http://corbis.com www.pressofatlanticcity.com