Former Miss America Celebrates Ability Counts Winners
Former Miss America Celebrates Ability Counts Winners
Former Miss America Heather Whitestone McCallum will share her personal story at the 2005 Ability Counts Community and Student Awards Luncheon, "Celebrate Ability: Anything is Possible," at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, at the Phoenix Civic Plaza Ballroom, Third and Jefferson streets.
As the keynote luncheon speaker, McCallum, who lost her hearing at the age of 18 months, became the first woman with a disability to be crowned Miss America in the pageantâ¬"s 75-year history in 1995. During her year as Miss America, and in subsequent years, McCallum has tirelessly focused her efforts on motivating people to achieve their dreams through dedication, commitment and hard work. McCallum believes her disability is a blessing, that the biggest handicap is negative thinking and those who concentrate on the positive instead of the negative should be celebrated for their optimistic stance and perseverance.
Also attending the luncheon will be Heather Urick, crowned Ms. Wheelchair Arizona in March 2005, who will discuss her role as a spokesperson for persons with disabilities in Arizona.
"This special event celebrates the talents, skills and abilities of all residents, including those with disabilities," said Dan Martinez, chairman, Mayor's Commission on Disability Issues. "People with disabilities continue to make valuable contributions in the workplace and all
areas of the community."
In addition, 11 individuals and organizations will be recognized at the luncheon for their ability to overcome barriers and contribute significantly to the advancement of people with disabilities. The community award winner categories include Employee of the Year, Employer of the Year, Architectural Accessibility, Don Aldrich Advocacy, Accessible Program Award and the Phoenix Mayor's Award.
Five outstanding students with disabilities, from first grade to college, will be recognized for their personal and academic achievements. They will receive financial awards based on their grade level.
The cost of the luncheon is $35 per person or $20 for students or senior citizens. The deadline to purchase tickets is Friday, Oct. 14. Proceeds benefit the Mayor's Commission on Disability Issues.
The event is sponsored by the Phoenix Mayorâ¬"s Commission on Disability Issues and Phoenix Equal Opportunity Department. Major sponsors include John F. Long Foundation, Phoenix Suns, Arizona Public Service and Maricopa County Community Colleges. It celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month created by the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.
For more information, reasonable accommodations or to make a reservation, call 602-261-8242 or 602-534-1557/TTY or visit phoenix.gov/mcdi.
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Former Miss America Heather Whitestone McCallum will share her personal story at the 2005 Ability Counts Community and Student Awards Luncheon, "Celebrate Ability: Anything is Possible," at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, at the Phoenix Civic Plaza Ballroom, Third and Jefferson streets.
As the keynote luncheon speaker, McCallum, who lost her hearing at the age of 18 months, became the first woman with a disability to be crowned Miss America in the pageantâ¬"s 75-year history in 1995. During her year as Miss America, and in subsequent years, McCallum has tirelessly focused her efforts on motivating people to achieve their dreams through dedication, commitment and hard work. McCallum believes her disability is a blessing, that the biggest handicap is negative thinking and those who concentrate on the positive instead of the negative should be celebrated for their optimistic stance and perseverance.
Also attending the luncheon will be Heather Urick, crowned Ms. Wheelchair Arizona in March 2005, who will discuss her role as a spokesperson for persons with disabilities in Arizona.
"This special event celebrates the talents, skills and abilities of all residents, including those with disabilities," said Dan Martinez, chairman, Mayor's Commission on Disability Issues. "People with disabilities continue to make valuable contributions in the workplace and all
areas of the community."
In addition, 11 individuals and organizations will be recognized at the luncheon for their ability to overcome barriers and contribute significantly to the advancement of people with disabilities. The community award winner categories include Employee of the Year, Employer of the Year, Architectural Accessibility, Don Aldrich Advocacy, Accessible Program Award and the Phoenix Mayor's Award.
Five outstanding students with disabilities, from first grade to college, will be recognized for their personal and academic achievements. They will receive financial awards based on their grade level.
The cost of the luncheon is $35 per person or $20 for students or senior citizens. The deadline to purchase tickets is Friday, Oct. 14. Proceeds benefit the Mayor's Commission on Disability Issues.
The event is sponsored by the Phoenix Mayorâ¬"s Commission on Disability Issues and Phoenix Equal Opportunity Department. Major sponsors include John F. Long Foundation, Phoenix Suns, Arizona Public Service and Maricopa County Community Colleges. It celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month created by the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.
For more information, reasonable accommodations or to make a reservation, call 602-261-8242 or 602-534-1557/TTY or visit phoenix.gov/mcdi.
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Columbus Day
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Famous Quotes recipes-famous-quotes-columbus-day
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