The Garden City Telegram

 Email this story | Add Your Comment  | Read (2) Comments

Leoti woman embraces opportunity

Published 3/5/2009 in News

By SHAJIA AHMAD

sahmad@gctelegram.com

If Ashley Wagner were chosen for the title of Ms. Wheelchair Kansas, she feels she could reach out to both sides — the disabled community and the general public — because she has lived in both worlds.

"I wasn't born with this, and being thrown into it has been very hard," Wagner said. "Fostering compassion is so important because people need to realize anyone can be thrown into a disability."

The 21-year-old Kansas State University student who is originally from Leoti is competing as one of three contestants in this month's fifth annual Ms. Wheelchair Kansas in Topeka.

The program is not a beauty contest but rather a celebration of inner strength, said Carrie Greenwood, the contest's state coordinator.

Judges select a wheelchair mobile woman to serve as a role model and spokesperson for people with disabilities and to advocate, educate and empower others on a state level.

Wagner became a quadriplegic after she was injured in a car accident in June 2006, a few weeks after she graduated from Wichita County High School as the salutatorian of her class. While driving on a gravel road in Wichita County, she lost control of her vehicle. The injuries she sustained from the accident put her in a wheelchair permanently.

Wagner's mother, Leta Berning, said her daughter was heartbroken she could no longer be a cheerleader, a plan the K-State junior had going into college. However, the disability didn't stop Wagner from pursuing other endeavors she had her heart set on, including taking part in rush, the university's college Greek recruitment.

"Of course, I was very concerned and scared at first, but I didn't let it stop me," Wagner said. "I'm not one of those people who wouldn't do something because I'm scared."

Now her Kappa Kappa Gamma sisters have become her best friends and part of her network of support, she said. Wagner even has a handicap accessible room in her sorority house, though her sisters often have to carry her up and down the house stairs, she said.

College studies, however, have not been a breeze to say the least, she said. With a limited range of motion in her arms and wrists and little to no finger movement, the psychology major had to slowly relearn how to write and adapt her studying habits, including relying on others' notes and changing her listening skills in class.

Her mother said she draws strength from watching her daughter maintain her courage and positive outlook while facing these new challenges, she said.

"She is probably the most courageous and strongest individual I've ever known," Berning said. "She doesn't want others to be shut in by their disability and wants to show them there are obstacles, but there are also opportunities."

If chosen for the title, Wagner said, empowering others the way her friends and family empower her is at the heart of her pageant platform.

"I want people with disabilities to get out there and not let anything hold them back," she said. "People are always afraid others will stare or putting yourself out there will be too hard, but that's not always the case. Even if you are disabled, you can pretty much do anything."

The fifth annual Ms. Wheelchair Kansas crowning ceremony, open to the public and free of charge, is scheduled for March 15 in Topeka. In addition to traveling the state, the crowned titleholder also travels to a national competition in August, where she represents Kansas and competes for the title of Ms. Wheelchair America against about 30 other titleholders from participating states.

Two other contestants in this year's state competition include Cherie Armstrong of Edwardsville and Marie Clement of Mayetta.

Berning said she and other family members and friends will be traveling to Topeka to cheer her daughter on in a few weeks. Companies including ESE Alcohol Inc., and Jones Construction, both based in Leoti, are helping out with travel costs, Berning added, and the community has been supportive over the last few years.

"Leoti is such a small community, there's no way we could have done it without them," Berning said.

While preparing to reach out to others, Wagner reflected on those she holds in high esteem, as well.

"I admire my little sister, Laura Ann, so much," she said. "Through this whole process and the accident, she's hasn't been selfish, and she's been so helpful and understanding. She doesn't care about my disability, and she'd protect me if anyone said anything. I really look up to her."

Welcome!    

Today's events •  Weekly Events

Submit An Event

Telegram Featured Video