Homecoming Queen |
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The story of Shellie Eyre is of a life lived with courage, determination and unrestricted love for everyone she meets. She was born in 1979 with Down syndrome and is the second child of a family of four children. At three years of age she experienced a major setback in the form of a stroke that left her paralyzed on her left side. But her optimistic outlook and her boundless perseverance made it obvious to all who knew her that she would succeed in overcoming whatever obstacles would be presented to her. Her school years were a wonderful time of learning a gaining many friends. This culminated in her senior year at Murray High School in Utah when she was selected as the 1997 Homecoming Queen. She had been one of the most popular girls in school because of her easy smile and loving heart. Her landslide victory was due in part to a wonderfully accepting student body that embraced unselfish inclusion, and to Shellie’s attitude toward all her classmates. When asked why everyone liked Shellie so much, one of the students said, “It’s hard not to love Shellie when you know how much she loves you.” The evening she was selected as Homecoming Queen was an experience that few will ever forget. Even the other Homecoming Candidates felt that there were no losers that night, but that they, and all who were there, had participated in an event where every person had won. Shellie’s inspirational life is an example of what true beauty can be and where love, acceptance, and inclusion can triumph over any disabilities. Note: Becca Winegar is the name of the actress that portrayed Shellie Eyre in this spot.
Girl: Alright you guys, it’s now time for the results of the Homecoming Queen election. The second attendant is, Denise Willard! The first attendant is, Katie Higgins!
And now, your Homecoming Queen is…Ok, here we go…Becca Winegar!
Music: “What makes you different, makes you beautiful, what’s there inside you shines through to me.”
ANNCR/SUPER: True Beauty…Pass It On. A message from The Foundation for a Better Life.

See a behind the scenes video of the people involved in this video including Shellie herself.

Read the incredible story about how two High School students were inspired by the above PSA and decided to show their community what true beauty is.
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I had a downs syndrome student who was 8th Grade president, he was awesome!
I had sweet little Joshua who watched the planes fly while we waited for his mom to get home, and rascally Nathan...he was a crackup!
Just because they have special needs doesn't mean they're no less human, we're all the same inside.
"Impressive! You are geniuses and fill all of us with hope. Keep it up! Thanks for all you do. Many thanks and more…"
When you come down to it - if everyone remembered their own uniqueness then a commercial like this one would not be viewed with such amazement.
However, we humans do need a reality check every now and then. On behalf of my son, my family and myself I am extending our heartfelt thanks for keeping us all real.
(it is about time!!)
I know the beauty of Down syndrome. I live with it every day!
I saw this commercial last night and tears welled in my heart. I have a 13 yr old granddaughter with DS and I see her potential everyday. Keep up the great work. and thank you for the inspiration you bring to all.
I cannot wait to share this video clip with my sister! Thank you!
Thanks for sharing.
The song is "What Makes You Different (Makes You Beautiful" by Backstreet Boys.
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