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3rd Runner-up: Ms. Wheelchair America
2005
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Howdy! My name is Angela Wrigglesworth and I am very honored to be Ms. Wheelchair Texas 2004. About a year and a half ago, I was reading Quest magazine, the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s national publication, and on the very last page was an advertisement for the Ms. Wheelchair America Pageant. I was so excited about the program that I immediately called to find out more information and was put in touch with my state coordinator. With the support of my faith, family, and friends, I participated in the Ms. Wheelchair Texas Pageant and was crowned on February 20th. It was one of the most overwhelming and surprising moments of my life,
as I had participated in the pageant with such outstanding women from my state. I am truly a better person for having been in their company, and it makes me all the more excited to come to Virginia amongst more women who successfully advocate for people with disabilities. |
| For me, the story of having a disability began at birth. However, I was not diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy until I was sixteen months old. I completely credit my parents for raising me, their only daughter, with the mindset that nothing was impossible. I graduated from high school in the top of my class and went on to attend Texas A&M University, where I pursued a degree in Elementary Education. I graduated in 1999 and have been teaching 3rd grade at Klenk Elementary ever since. Currently, at 26, I’m living your average “single gal’s” life…
I have a job that I love, a great apartment, and wonderful friends and family, who see to it that I live as independently as possible. |
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One of the best things about my life, is that I spend my
weekends and summers working on the program staff at a camp for children
and adults with disabilities. Camp For All is a completely barrier free
camp that hosts different disability organizations each week. I have
luckily had the opportunity to work with awesome groups, such as AIDS
Foundation Houston, Texas Children’s Hospital, and the Multiple
Sclerosis Society. Having this job has given me a whole different
outlook on the world and renews my appreciation for the many blessings
that I have. |
| Since becoming Ms. Wheelchair Texas, I can’t say that
I have much free time (there’s a lot of territory to cover down here),
but when I do have a few moments to spare, I enjoy traveling, watching
baseball games, attending concerts, spending time outdoors, and of
course SHOPPING! I hope in the near future to get married and raise a
family, but most importantly, I want to share my philosophy with everyone
I meet, which was eloquently stated by famous basketball coach John
Wooden. He said, “Things turn out best for those who make the best of
the way things turn out,” and I couldn’t agree more. Can’t wait to see y’all in
Virginia!
Angela
Wrigglesworth
Ms. Wheelchair Texas 2004
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