 Ms. Wheelchair Oklahoma Sherri Kelly visits with Rose State President Jim Cook during a recent fundraising reception to assist with costs for Ms. Wheelchair America in July. |
She can’t walk, talk or use her hands. But that hasn’t stopped Sherri Kelly from attending college, working part-time at Rose State and the OU Health Sciences Center and winning the Ms. Wheelchair Oklahoma title for 2004-05.
Kelly is preparing to attend the Ms. Wheelchair America Pageant in Richmond, Va., July 27-31. A Del City native, she maintains a 3.5 grade point average and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society. She has attended Rose State since 2000.
"Sherri has been an exceptional student here,” said Rose State President Jim Cook. “She has overcome limitations associated with cerebral palsy that limit her communication to a head-wand used on a keyboard. She is an affirming case study in persistence and commitment to excellence.”
"Unlike the Miss America Pageant, the Ms. Wheelchair America Program is in no way a beauty contest,” Kelly said. “The mission is to provide an opportunity for women of achievement who utilize wheelchairs and assistive technology to successfully educate and advocate for the millions of individuals with disabilities. It serves as a vehicle that can open doors and provide opportunities to speak about disabilities to those who may not normally listen.”
Donations to assist with costs for the Ms. Wheelchair America Pageant can be sent to Rose State College, Attn.: Sherri Kelly Fund, Office of the President, 6420 S.E. 15th Street, Midwest City, OK 73110.
Contact Kelly at sherrilynn65@netzero.com.