Kristen Montgomery won in January of 2009 as a senior at Buchanan High School in Troy, Missouri. Kristen plans to attend the University of Missoui-Columbia in the Fall with an eye toward a social work degree. She plans to use the $500 award toward housing costs. When asked about going away to school, Kristen had these thoughts, "I've lived in a small town all my life, so going away to college is scary but I'm excited at the same time." Everyone at 1800wheelchair.com wishes Kristen good luck at school

Kristen's Essay...

The year was 2004 and it proved to be a difficult year for me. I required major spine surgery that summer, as a result of my disability. The spine surgery was a success, but as the doctor predicted, the recovery period robbed me of the last bit of mobility I had left in my legs. I was confined to a wheelchair for the rest of my life.

During my recovery period I was placed under a lot of restrictions, but I was determined not to miss any school. I was going into the eighth grade and very nervous, as I am a very independent person. I knew I was going to have to rely on someone for help.

A few days before the start of the school year, my parents and I talked with the school administration about obtaining a fulltime paraprofessional to help me in class. I was not allowed to bend or twist my spine and could no longer bend my neck which made using a desk to write impossible. I knew I would require a lot of help in class that year. Unfortunately, the school declined my request for a full time paraprofessional. I knew I could ask for the teacher for assistance, but raising my hand is difficult due to my disability. How would I make it through the year? As it turned out, I was not on my own in class. My best friend since sixth grade, Katie, was in all my classes that year. Katie assumed a major part of the responsibility without being asked and assisted me with all my needs in class that year. She unpacked my books from my book bag each class period. Handed in all my assignments, picked up pencils I had dropped a hundred times over the course of the year. Katie chaired a fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in my honor through a school organization. Katie carried my lunch tray each day, escorted me to the nurse’s office, carried my special desk and the tools I needed to write and most importantly, remained my best friend throughout. My eighth grade year was a success because of Katie’s dedication and friendship.

Katie continues to be a one of the most important people in my life. It has been four years since my spine surgery and Katie and I remain best friends. I know that I can rely on Katie to be there when I need her most. We are both seniors in high school now and will start a new chapter together in the Fall of 2009 at the University of Missouri-Columbia....together, as always.