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2013 SESSION
13103779DWHEREAS, Stephanie Copeland was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Virginia 2012 - 2013 at the Ms. Wheelchair Virginia Gala held at the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center in Fishersville on March 17, 2012; and
WHEREAS, the mission of the Ms. Wheelchair Virginia program is to raise awareness of the abilities and needs of the disabled community through education and advocacy in order to influence attitudinal, architectural, and social change for all Virginians; and
WHEREAS, Stephanie Copeland has been using a wheelchair since an April 14, 2004, alcohol-related car accident at the age of 21 paralyzed her from the waist down; as she adjusted to her disability and developed skills to live independently, she responded with the positive attitude of “show me what I need to do to be independent and I will still live a happy, fulfilling life”; and
WHEREAS, an extremely motivated and accomplished woman, Stephanie Copeland traveled to California, Ohio, Texas, and North Carolina as part of her rehabilitation efforts to improve her mobility and overall health; and
WHEREAS, a dedicated student, Stephanie Copeland earned a bachelor’s degree from Strayer University in 2007, finishing with a 4.0 grade point average and as a member of the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society; and
WHEREAS, Stephanie Copeland also serves as a coach for a men’s recreational team in Henrico County and a wheelchair softball team in Richmond; and
WHEREAS, as Ms. Wheelchair Virginia, Stephanie Copeland travels around the Commonwealth sharing her platform of Taking a Positive SPIN on Life, with SPIN standing for Speaking with a Positive attitude to Inspire others to Never give up!; and
WHEREAS, Stephanie Copeland also discusses the hazards of drinking and driving and the importance of making good decisions and serves as an advocate for national and state organizations focused on reducing drinking and driving; and
WHEREAS, Stephanie Copeland educates business owners and employees about interacting with people with disabilities and explains the importance of accessibility and making modifications according to the Americans with Disabilities Act specifications; and
WHEREAS, an AmeriCorps member, Stephanie Copeland has performed 1,000 hours of service during her reign as Ms. Wheelchair Virginia; and
WHEREAS, Stephanie Copeland represented Virginia at the 2013 Ms. Wheelchair America competition in Providence, Rhode Island; she won the Outstanding Speech Award and the Ashley Speicher Courage Award; and
WHEREAS, a positive and inspiring woman, Stephanie Copeland represents her community and the Commonwealth with great enthusiasm and dedication; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Stephanie Copeland hereby be commended on her selection as Ms. Wheelchair Virginia 2012 - 2013; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Stephanie Copeland as an expression of the House of Delegates’ congratulations, respect, and admiration for her work on behalf of people with disabilities.