Paris, Texas teacher vying for Ms. Wheelchair USA feels she s already won in representing handi-capable people
Paris, Texas middle school teacher Kenda Felker is among 11 contestants spreading the message of awareness and inclusivity for people with modified abilities. Author: Kevin Reece Updated: 6:36 PM CDT July 12, 2021
AKRON, Ohio A middle school teacher from North Texas is living the life of pageant royalty this week in Ohio as she competes for the title of Ms. Wheelchair USA. But as she has told us before, even before the competition began, she feels she s already won.
When we met Kenda Felker back in May, she was already the pride of Paris, Texas. Multiple sclerosis hit when she was 15 years old. Twelve years ago she lost the use of her legs. But, from the perch of an electric scooter, she is still teaching the careers class at Frank Stone Middle School.
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Kenda Felker maneuvers a scooter around her classroom at Stone Middle School as she teaches North Lamar ISD students not only career skills but also how to be successful no matter what challenges life might have in store.
Diagnosed with muscular dystrophy 30 years ago when she was a teenager, the Lamar County native considers herself âhandicapable,â not handicapped, and not âdisabledâ but with modified abilities.
âWhere thereâs a âwheel,â there is a way,â Felker said.
Recently crowned Ms. Wheelchair Southwest USA, Felker will take a message of determination and community activism as her platform to the Ms. Wheelchair USA pageant in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, where she will participate July 11-17 in a week of pageant activities for the national crown. Competition includes interviews, evening wear, a platform speech presentation, on-stage questions and platform marketing statement competition.
Felker won the Ms. Wheelchair Southwestern USA title last month. Her platform is Handicapable: Where There s a Wheel, There s a Way. A lot of times here in this chair, you don t feel beautiful, Felker said. But when you ve got a crown, honey, you feel beautiful!
Felker was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 15 years old. Twelve years ago, MS took her ability to walk. She s in a wheelchair, but that hasn t stopped Felker from coaching her daughters sports teams, or teaching middle school students. I just want to do what everybody else does, Felker said. I know I can do it. Maybe not the same way you can, but I know I can do it.