Kelsey, age 11, has been diagnosed with PDD which is on the autism spectrum. She was adopted from a Russian orphanage when she was 14 months old weighing less than 14 pounds. When she was adopted, no one could predict whether she was ever going to be able to walk or talk. Ten years later, Kelsey continues to amaze everyone and defy the odds. She is currently a 5th grade special education student who has received national recognition. She is a pageant queen with more than 35 titles and is active in gymnastics, dance, competitive swimming and cheerleading.
She won two prestigious community service awards this summer. In July, she received the gold President's Volunteer Service Award with a signed letter on White House stationary from President Barack Obama. She received this award for volunteering for over 100 hours during the past year to address some of the most pressing needs in the community, state and country.
In June, it was announced that she won the prestigious local community service award from the Kohl's Care National Scholarship Program. The program recognizes and rewards young volunteers (ages 6 - 18) who help make their communities a better place to live. Their actions must be above and beyond what is expected of a child his or her age.
Kelsey won these two awards for her work associated with her pageant platform "Special Needs Means Special Abilities" - - the importance of self-advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities". She believes that individuals with disabilities can achieve great things in life and make a tremendous positive difference in the lives of others. When she grows up, she wants to be a role model for others and start her own charitable foundation that will support children with special needs.
She is a shining example of the potential that exists for every special needs child and their ability to help others and make their communities a better place to live. Kelsey also represents the value of every child regardless of the circumstances of their birth and the right that each has to be adopted and loved.
Warner Robins, GA
