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Show 'til ) Eldon W Schmutz, executive vice-president vice-president and cashier at State Bank of Southern Utah, presents a check to Sharon L. Ross. The bank is spon soring the Cedar City mother in the Miss Wheelshair Utah Pageant being held this summer, i Local woman to enter Miss Wheelchair contest Sharon Lynnette Ross of Cedar City will be a contestant in the Miss Wheelchair Utah Pageant to be held in Salt Lake City this June. A mother of two and employee of the United States Forest Service, Mrs. Ross suffered from cerebral palsy at birth and utilizes a wheelchair full-time. To say that a wheelchair hampers her enthusiasm would be a mistake. Attitude is the key, according to Ross. "My attitude decides how successful I can be. Some people are more handicapped han-dicapped just because of their attitude toward life," she states. "If you love your fellow men, you won't have room for pity.1' The wife of Weston W. Ross, Sharon finds plenty to keep her busy. In addition to working for the Forest Service, she enjoys painting, writing and people. "I love people, I couldn't do without them" she comments. Although she has won several ribbons for her painting, Ross receives her ; greatest joy from her family. "My greatest achievement was being able to be married to a responsible man who completely loves me, and giving birth to my two children, Tammy and Mark." An inspiration to many, Ross feels that a person can do whatever they choose to, if they're willing to pay the price. "You can do as much as you are willing to work lor, everything has a price," she comments. "You're only a loser when you give up." Giving up is something that is foreign to the Miss Wheelchair contestant. "Even when I'm sad, I try to smile, it sure helps me forget my troubles and others hate to be burdened with negative attitudes," Ross explains. ex-plains. An electric wheelchair provides ample opportunity op-portunity to get out and Ross can often be seen enjoying the beauty of the outdoors as she travels around the city. The pageant this summer will select an individual to represent Utah's handicapped population on a national level. A capable spokesperson will be selected, based on achievement to represent the state. State Bank ot Southern Utah is sponsoring Mrs. Ross in the contest. Donations to help defray expenses are being accepted ac-cepted at the bank. |