Courtney's story

Courtney was born with Cerebral Palsy but has never let this get her down. She has always had a tenacious spirit and was born with a “can do” attitude. It was this attitude that led her ambition to be voted to the homecoming court at her Delaware, Ohio high school.

In 2013 at her annual Spring IEP meeting, Courtney decided to make a personal goal to be nominated to the homecoming court her senior year. “It sounded like a fun idea and I wanted to do something different for my senior year. So I put it as one of my goals” said Courtney. With her goal set and with the help of her good friends, she formed an action plan.  The group came up with a YouTube video and Twitter account and set out to win the votes of her classmates. It became a real 21^st century campaign.

Not only did Courtney get on the Homecoming court with her good friend Caleb, but they went on to win Homecoming Queen and King. When asked, the advisors in charge said this was a special event. Although there was a nice mix of students in the running for the Homecoming court, it appeared that the student body that normally did not vote or play an active role in the outcome was using this event as a platform to get involved. They were invested in the outcome and embraced the difference. With a school body of 1400 members, Courtney and Caleb won by a landslide. It was an overwhelming pledge of support for the girl who was used to obstacles.

Courtney also participates in school by answering phones in the office and working in the library during her free periods. She goes to typical classes and especially likes video production class.  Upon graduation, Courtney will be seeking full-time employment using her new skills as a receptionist. 

We are glad to read and share Courtney's story! One of the most important things that we can learn from Courtney is that no matter what life throws at us, it is our attitudes and ambitions that decide our fates. We are the masters of our fate and the captains of our souls. Let us remember "impossible" things are happening everyday. We wish Courtney success with her career goals and  in life. Congratulations Courtney!