Courtney Gaines – Rose State College

Courtney plans to attend Rose State College and study theatre arts. She loves dancing and modeling, and she is very proud to have been named the National Down Syndrome Society’s 2023 Ambassador of the Year. She is also proud to have advocated for Courtney’s Law (also known as Oklahoma SB 1203), which was signed into law in 2022 with the help of the NDSC. This Oklahoma legislation requires healthcare providers to provide accurate, up-to-date information about select chromosomal disorders at the time of diagnosis.

Courtney recognizes that differently abled individuals’ life paths often include hardships and challenges, but she recognizes these obstacles as opportunities. She believes in turning “no” into “now!”; “you can’t” into “you did!”; and “not her” into “KNOW HER!”

Courtney is proud to have come up in Choctaw-Nicoma Park schools and Greater Love Missionary Baptist Church. In high school, she was in the Junior ROTC, served on the student council, and played on the varsity soccer team. She has been an Ambassador for African-American Girls and Women with Disabilities via GirlTrek since 2018, promoting health and wellness. She also defied odds in 2021 as the first African-American with Down syndrome to walk the runway in the history of the Miss Teen USA, Miss USA and Miss Universe franchise. In 2022, she was named Miss Amazing Oklahoma Junior Miss, and has used her platform to promote health and wellness. She is also a member of the Down Syndrome Sports of America soccer team.

Courtney plans to attend college and is committed to walking the path that allows her to help individuals who face challenges and adversity.

You are so incredibly driven and accomplished, Courtney—these qualities will serve you well throughout your life, including when you rock it in college! We are so proud of you!