National Deaf History Month: April 16th Heather Whitestone: The First Deaf Miss America

Heather Whitestone, born in 1973 in Alabama, is a deaf dancer and beauty queen who became the first deaf woman to be crowned Miss America in 1995. She lost most of her hearing at the age of 18 months due to a high fever, but this did not stop her from pursuing her dreams.

Heather was enrolled in mainstream schools throughout her childhood, and she began to dance at a young age. Dancing was her passion, and she spent hours practicing ballet and other forms of dance. In 1993, she earned her degree in dance from the Birmingham-Southern College in Alabama.

Heather went on to participate in the Miss Alabama pageant, where she won the title and went on to compete in the Miss America pageant. She was the first deaf woman to participate in the pageant, and she won the hearts of the judges and the audience with her talent and poise.

Heather's crowning as Miss America in 1995 was a historic moment for the deaf community. She used her platform to raise awareness about the deaf community and to inspire others to overcome their own obstacles. She also became a role model for young deaf children who dreamed of achieving their own goals.

After her reign as Miss America, Heather continued to be an advocate for the deaf community. She wrote a book about her experiences, "Listening with My Heart," and became a motivational speaker. She also appeared on television shows, including "Sesame Street," and taught dance to children with disabilities.

Heather Whitestone's legacy as the first deaf Miss America continues to inspire people to this day. She proved that with hard work and determination, anyone can achieve their dreams, regardless of their hearing ability. She is a true trailblazer and an inspiration to the deaf community and beyond.