Maddy Acken: University of North Carolina Wilmington — Inclusive Futures Program

Maddy is stepping into her freshman year at the University of North Carolina Wilmington in the Inclusive Futures Program, ready to explore her passions and discover new ones. Her interests include writing, art, music, creating, and connecting, and she is currently working with the Inclusive Futures team to decide what area of study will be the best fit.

Her goals include living on campus next year and, in the long term, achieving independent living within a supportive community and building a career that is sustainable, attainable, and brings her joy. Maddy loves swimming, dancing, learning new things, baking, cooking, and going out to eat. She is also a proud Special Olympics medalist in both swimming and cheerleading.

This year, she took a brave step into public speaking by delivering the pledge at her local Special Olympics opening ceremony. She’s excited to begin this next chapter as a college freshman and, like her peers, to learn what she can do, what she loves to do, and how to do it. We can’t wait to see how far she goes!