Misty Yanish, a 2002 graduate of Maple Lake High School, was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Minnesota at ceremonies on Saturday at Maple Grove High School.
“I was so shocked,” Misty laughed. “It was fun, but kind of nerve-wracking.”
The nerve-wracking part came when Misty and fellow candidate, Cindy Condon of Minneapolis, went through interviews with three judges and then gave speeches on the words they would use to describe themselves.
The Ms. Wheelchair America Program Inc. is organized to provide an opportunity for women of achievement who utilize wheelchairs to successfully educate and advocate for individuals with disabilities.
Misty, who now lives in St. Cloud, attends St. Cloud Tech. and is planning on graduating next year with a degree in Child and Adult Care and Education.
The contest has been a whirlwind for Misty, who has cerebral palsy. After she was nominated by one of her St. Cloud neighbors, Misty placed canisters in Maple Lake businesses to raise funds for her effort to win the Ms. Wheelchair title. On Saturday after the interviews and speeches, she was presented with the title from last year’s winner, Jen Onsum of Brooklyn Park, at a reception that included Misty’s mother, Ruth Pribyl Ternes; stepfather, Tom Ternes; grandmother, Fran Pribyl; niece, Summer Morton; and friend, Julie Loch.
Ruth Ternes, who has been by her daughter’s side through numerous operations, was overjoyed with Misty’s big moment. “I am so proud of her,” Ternes said. “I had tears in my eyes.”
For the next year, Misty will travel and will serve as an advocate for wheelchair accessibility. “I’ll be speaking on accessibility and working to make sure buildings are accessible to people with disabilities,” Misty said.
And she said it was the support of her hometown that made it all possible. “Thank you to everyone who donated money for me to do this,” she said.
She will prepare for another big event when she represents Minnesota at the Ms. Wheelchair America 2005 Pageant from July 27 through August 1 in Richmond, VA.
To raise funds for that event, Misty will once again be placing canisters in local businesses and will also be seeking business sponsorships. Those wishing to support Misty’s efforts can call her at 320-230-4591, 763-370-5688, or Ruth Ternes at 320-963-3187.
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