Abby Maddux – Northeastern State University RiverHawks (Lees Family Scholarship Award)

Abby is a two-time Rockin’ Recipient and this year’s recipient of the Ruby’s Rainbow Lees Family Scholarship Award. She attends the RiverHawks program at Northeastern State University in Oklahoma.

Abby loves singing and performing. She wants to be an actress someday and regularly performs at open mic nights and talent shows. She is also a self-advocate who enjoys speaking in public about having Down syndrome and self-determination for people with disabilities. She has served as Secretary and Vice President of her campus’s Mentor Club, where she develops her leadership skills and works to show that people with Down syndrome can hold leadership roles.

Abby’s advice for new college students is to “work hard, have determination, limit your video time and have fun.” She hopes others with Down syndrome will find their passion and be proud of exactly who they are! We certainly are proud of you, Abby—you rock!