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Contestants

Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2008 - Shari Lynn Cooper

Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2008 - Shari Lynn Cooper

Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2008
Shari Lynn Cooper

BEAUTIFUL…
     DETERMINED…
          INTELLIGENT…
               FUNNY…
                    HAPPY…

  • Lives on her own in Dayton, Ohio
  • Serves as Secretary for the Developmental Disabilities Council
  • Supports various organizations through membership including People First of Dayton, Ohio
  • Received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Disabilities Intervention Services from Sinclair Community College
  • Disabled since birth due to Cerebral Palsy
  • Enjoys shopping and spending time with her brother and sister
  • Self Perception: Beautiful, Determined, Intelligent, Funny, Happy

 
 


Day 1 - Shari Arrives in Rockville


Day 2 - Funday!


Day 3 - 50’s Night


Day 4 - Resume Judging and State Displays

Ohio


Day 5 - Platform Speeches

Discussion

62 comments for “Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2008 - Shari Lynn Cooper”

  1. Hi Shari, Congratulations on getting this far and I know you will do just fine. You have my vote!

    Posted by Traci Elder | June 23, 2008, 8:07 am
  2. Good luck to you.
    Hope you win.

    Posted by Justin M. Baker | June 23, 2008, 10:06 am
  3. 50 and counting!!! You’re going all the way girl:)

    Posted by Katie Roe | June 23, 2008, 10:41 am
  4. I cannot think of a better person to represent persons with disabilities! You Rock! I am proud to call you my friend.

    Posted by Bev Via | June 23, 2008, 11:08 am
  5. Shari,

    You are a beautiful and amazing person. Good Luck! You go girl!!!

    Posted by Beth Dawson | June 23, 2008, 11:17 am
  6. Hey Girl! I cannot wait to celebrate with you. What competition??? I cannot imagine anyone being able to compete with your charm and dazzle! You are amazing! An inspiration to all but especially to individuals with disabilities! Rock on and bring home the title!
    Love ya, Michelle

    Posted by Michelle McKenn | June 23, 2008, 11:52 am
  7. Shari,

    You got my vote hands down. You’ll blow them all out of the water!

    Bring it home Shari.

    Deb

    Posted by Deb Willett | June 23, 2008, 12:05 pm
  8. Congratulations Shari!!! You’re just amazing and I’m thrilled to call you a friend! Good luck and God Bless…

    Posted by Dana Martinez | June 23, 2008, 12:20 pm
  9. Who better to represent Ms. Wheelchair Ohio in the Ms. Wheelchair America than you Shari! Whenever I am feeling a little “off or blue”, all I have to do is to associate myself with you - even if it is to say “Hello”, and you make it always possible for me to feel better about myself, and I can go away smiling. You have a natural ability to uplift anyone you come in contact with….being it your smile, your confidence, your energy, your work ethic or your attitude. AND YOU DO POWER-SHOPPING!!!! Best of Luck to you because you have the ability to make everyone around you feel like they are 1,000 percent better just by knowing you!!

    I AM a much better person just by knowing you. GO GET ‘EM!!!!

    Jan

    Posted by Jan Samshal | June 23, 2008, 12:53 pm
  10. You go girl!!! I am so proud of you but not surprised, you are an amazing woman! Good luck and congratulations!
    Diana

    Posted by Diana Brumbaugh | June 23, 2008, 12:57 pm
  11. Shari = fabulous, outgoing, awesome, fantastic, full of energy, a true fashionista, and the list goes on and on and on……Congrats to you, you most certainly have my vote :)

    Posted by Jamie Verrillo | June 23, 2008, 1:03 pm
  12. Wanted to say congratulations for being Ms Wheelchair Ohio. Look forward to seeing all of the wonderful ladies in Rockville! Even though we might be competing for the same title, it is not about the title but what we can do to promote our cause to all of the Nation! Good luck!

    Posted by Elizabeth Reeve | June 23, 2008, 1:27 pm
  13. We love you Shari. Hope you win.

    Posted by Margaret Henderson | June 23, 2008, 1:41 pm
  14. You go girl! You have the most dynamic personality and fabulous good looks. I know you will use this opportunity to spread awareness and knowledge. You are a shining star!

    Posted by Melissa Engle | June 23, 2008, 2:20 pm
  15. Shari is a friendly, caring, sassy, fun person! The perfect fit for Ms. Wheelchair America. Good luck!

    Posted by Beth Shrake | June 23, 2008, 2:42 pm
  16. Congratulations! You have nothing to worry about. Just be yourself and enjoy the ride! Good luck, girl! Love ya, Janice.

    Posted by Janice E. Jones | June 24, 2008, 9:57 am
  17. Hi Shari- I just wanted to introduce myself since I won’t be able to meet you at the National Pageant. I am the state coordinator for Ms. Wheelchair Washington Pageant. I was Ms. WC Washington 2006 and I had a great year. I am sorry I won’t be there to meet all of you this year. Good luck in all you do and have a wonderful time at the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant. It was one of the best weeks of my life!

    Best of luck!
    Tammy Wilber
    Ms. Wheelchair Washington State Pageant Coordinator

    Posted by Tammy Wilber | June 24, 2008, 1:31 pm
  18. I am so impressed with you! You’re truly an amazing woman. You have a gentle and kind soul. You’re truly blessed. I hope you win so you can share your beautiful spirit with many, many more!

    Posted by Maribell Pergola | June 24, 2008, 2:31 pm
  19. Shari,Shari,
    Who could expect any thing
    less!You are such a inspiration to life,you give energy,you display
    great determination and I have great confidence you are the best
    candidate,therefore….I VOTE FOR,
    MS.SHARI COOPER!
    GOOD LUCK,
    LOVE YA,RHYAN

    Posted by Rhyan Lucas | June 25, 2008, 3:12 pm
  20. I wish you the best of luck!

    Posted by Amanda McBay | June 26, 2008, 2:47 am
  21. Congradulations Shari:

    You Can Do It!!! You make us all so
    Proud.
    You can make life so different for so—– many!
    I want to say a ‘Special Thanks’
    from all od your frieds and advocates in Dayton, Ohio!
    You’re Going All the Way!
    God Bless You!
    Todd C.Mebane
    “I am Handi Capable”

    Posted by Todd C. Mebane | June 26, 2008, 11:45 am
  22. Good Luck!! Represent Ohio well -Im sure you will!

    Posted by Cindy Southern | June 26, 2008, 9:50 pm
  23. Congradulaions and I hope win. Bring that trophy back to Ohio. Love you Kelli.

    Posted by Kelli Calbert | June 29, 2008, 5:03 pm
  24. Congradulations and I hope win. Bring that trophy back to Ohio. Love you Kelli.

    Posted by Kelli Calbert | June 29, 2008, 5:04 pm
  25. Good Luck Cuz.
    You will make Ohio Happy!!!!!!

    Posted by P. Oretha Baker | July 1, 2008, 1:16 pm
  26. You will make Ohio Happy!!!!!!

    Posted by P. Oretha Baker | July 1, 2008, 1:27 pm
  27. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you in advance to the great state of Maryland. I look forward to meeting you. I know that we will all have a great time during the week of Nationals. Good luck and most importantly have fun!!!

    Ms. Wheelchair MD

    Posted by Denise Thomas | July 2, 2008, 7:10 pm
  28. Congratulations Shari!
    I have known you every since you were little and I am so proud of your accomplishments. God has blessed you with a gift of determination and you will bring home that trophy!

    Posted by Mary McDonald | July 4, 2008, 12:10 pm
  29. Go get them Sherri. The others haven’t a chance aginst you. We are all proud of you here at GESMV.

    Posted by Katherine Grilliot | July 7, 2008, 10:42 am
  30. My friend, I wish you all the luck in the world, but you wont need it, because we all know who is going to win, and you will always be a winner to me. Your friend always>

    Posted by Marla White | July 7, 2008, 10:43 am
  31. Shari,
    You are amazing. Good Luck!

    We love you!

    Barb

    Posted by Barbara Andrews | July 7, 2008, 12:19 pm
  32. My name is Angie Wilkerson: I was Ms. Wheelchair Virginia 2005-2006, second runner-up at Ms. Wheelchair America 2006 and also was awarded the People’s Choice Award. To all contestants, congratulations! As you get ready for MWA I know you are probably very excited and nervous at the same time. I wanted to share these pieces of wisdom based on my experiences and advice I received. You will be glad if you do all of your preparation before going to MWA (prepare & practice speeches, etc.), once you arrive pace yourself- don’t wear yourself out- get your rest and eat well- take care of yourself, enjoy every moment of the experience, take lots of pictures, try to meet and spend time with each contestant- you will be so inspired and enriched by doing so, you are all amazing and special…don’t compare yourself to anyone else- just be the best you that you can be, think of your fellow contestants not as competition but rather as members of a team with the same mission as you. May you all support, encourage, educate, and inspire one another. Have the time of your life and congratulations again to each of you on your achievements.
    God bless,
    Angie Wilkerson
    MWVA 2005-2006

    Posted by Angie Wilkerson MWVA 2005-2006 | July 7, 2008, 12:22 pm
  33. Shari,

    You’ve become a really great friend, I’m so glad I have gotten to know you. You are a wonderful person and ODDC wouldn’t be the same without you!

    Courtney

    Posted by Courtney Jordan | July 7, 2008, 8:18 pm
  34. Hi Shari, I’m Rose, Ms. Wheelchair Virginia. Are you geared up for a week of fun as we compete? I look forward to meeting you. Have a safe and enjoyable rip.

    Posted by Rose Williams | July 8, 2008, 9:46 am
  35. Thank you so much Shari for your expressions at church. I love you my sister and your humor is beautiful. You have my vote and my heart-felt prayers continually. Above all things I wish that you may prospe and be in health even as your soul prospers. 3 John verse 2……you are a winner. May the Lord oontinue to bless you and your family throughout.

    Posted by Rev. Marvin Saunders | July 9, 2008, 6:04 pm
  36. Hi Shari,
    You don’t know me, but you know my dad, JT. Our family wishes you the very best of luck!!!!!

    Best regards,
    The Tays Family

    Posted by Tracie Tays | July 9, 2008, 10:18 pm
  37. Hi Shari!
    I’m Ashlee Allington Ms. Wheelchair Utah! I just wanted to say good luck! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for all of us, and I look forward to meeting you!

    Ashlee

    Posted by Ashlee Allington | July 10, 2008, 5:38 pm
  38. Shari,
    You are a beautiful person inside and out! You are already a WINNER! You are the perfect role model for all of the people you work with and meet at Goodwill/Easter Seals daily. You are the best advocate for people with disabilities and an inspiration to all!!

    Love,
    Connie

    Posted by Connie Louis | July 11, 2008, 9:40 am
  39. Shari,

    Girl YOU ROCK! We are so very proud of you. We are praying for you with each vote we cast. Blessing!

    Posted by Rhonda Bogan | July 12, 2008, 8:08 pm
  40. Shari good luck in Maryland, I forgot you don’t need any luck, what you are doing is pure skills and good looks. yOU WILL ALWAYS BE mISS AMERICA TO ME.

    Posted by Dewayne M Cooper | July 13, 2008, 12:19 pm
  41. Shari,

    You are an amazing woman and I am privilged to have had the opportunity to know you! You remember what I said when you told me you were going to the nationals! You are already a winner in my book!!

    Love Ya!

    Posted by Terry Driver | July 16, 2008, 2:16 pm
  42. Shari- Congratulations on your title of Ms Wheelchair Ohio . You have a very busy and exciting week ahead of you in Rockville Maryland. Embrace every moment of this once in a lifetime opportunity and open yourself up to learning from all of the amazing women around you. Best of luck! I look forward to meeting you next week.
    Autumn Grant
    Ms Wheelchair America 2007
    Ms Wheelchair Massachusetts 2006
    Ms Wheelchair Massachusetts State Coordinator

    Posted by Autumn Grant- Ms Wheelchair America 2007 | July 18, 2008, 2:53 pm
  43. Hi Shari,
    I am a frind of your sister-in-law
    Net and Dewayne. She asked me to vote for you and that is just what
    I am doing. You are a beautiful
    young lady and I hope you win.

    Posted by Nina Willis | July 18, 2008, 7:07 pm
  44. Hey Auntie!

    Sorry It took me so long to leave

    you a comment but I will like to

    say this my family and I voted for

    you Good Luck BulbHead!

    Love,
    Janae

    Posted by Janae Cooper | July 18, 2008, 9:02 pm
  45. Looking forward to meeting all you young ladies on Monday at the hotel. Have a good trip to Maryland

    Deborah Barnes
    Ms Wheelchair DC

    Posted by Deborah Barnes | July 18, 2008, 9:46 pm
  46. Shari Lynn,

    I wish you a wonderful week at Nationals, full of memories and meaning, with much to be happy about… Know this - you are all already winners, so just let your natural beauty shine through!

    xoxo
    Kristen McCosh, MWA 2008

    Posted by Kristen McCosh, MWA 2008 | July 19, 2008, 10:07 pm
  47. Shari,
    Since working at GWES, I have noticed this confidence in myself that I learned from you. You always want to smile, even while working hard, and nothing seems to get you down. You are a wonderful, amazing, talented, and beautiful woman!
    Even though you don’t need it, I am wishing you good luck!
    Natasha Hatfield

    Posted by Natasha Hatfield | July 20, 2008, 2:40 pm
  48. Hello Shari Lynn,

    In five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes. How do you measure, a year in the life?
    This exact question from one of my favorite songs from the musical RENT began running through my head from the moment I recieved the title of Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee. How would I measure this year? And now I know I am measuring it in every lesson taught and learned and every friendship made.

    I am looking forward to a great week here at Nationals. Thank you for being a part of how I will measure this year.

    Kasondra, Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee 2008

    Posted by Kasondra Marlene Farmer | July 20, 2008, 9:08 pm
  49. Shari, I gave you my best and you past the test. I told you to stop & rest, you said “no, I’m going to my best”. I am thankful for a star like you. Run on and see what the end going to be! Love You Mom & the Cooper Family

    Posted by Erma Cooper | July 20, 2008, 10:35 pm
  50. As I sit here looking over my life, I can truly say that I am blessed. I have a great family that have supported me since day one. My job is wonderful at Goodwill Industries Easter Seals in Dayton, Oh with the best co-workers in the world. And my friends are just the best. I want you all to know I love you and am greatful for you. God is GOOD all the time. He has a plan for me and I will carry it through now and as long as I live. With his grace & mercy I will not go wrong. Now let’s go get Rockville. Shari

    Posted by Shari Cooper | July 20, 2008, 10:54 pm
  51. Kick butt and have fun! You know we’re all pulling for you!
    Margie

    Posted by Margie Wehner | July 23, 2008, 12:55 pm
  52. We are waiting and watching. Can’t wait to see your new crown. Best of Luck and I miss you! Maria

    Posted by Maria Wogoman | July 23, 2008, 12:58 pm
  53. Do you have your victory dance already ‘worked out’? I want you to look smooth in front of the camera :) Can’t wait to celebrate with you!!

    Posted by Shawn Waddell | July 24, 2008, 8:50 am
  54. Hey Shari,

    I am a good friend of Dewayne and Lynette. You represent “The Buckeye State” well! Congrats and much success to you. You are already a winner!

    Marcia Jones

    Posted by Marcia L. Jones | July 24, 2008, 9:50 am
  55. Shari-
    All of us are so proud of you-for so many reasons! You are such an astounding person! Best of Luck!
    Love
    Kim

    Posted by Kim | July 25, 2008, 2:04 pm
  56. Shari Lynn,

    You are a wonderful person, and
    my favorite sister. You have helped so many people with/without disabilities succeed in life. I’m sure God is pleased with your work because your blessing has been continuous. I am so proud of you, and all of your accomplishments.

    Your only sister,
    Glenda D. Pate

    Posted by Glenda D. Pate | July 26, 2008, 11:09 am
  57. Shari,

    It was such a pleasure to get to know you this past week at Nationals! Congratulations on your award and on all of your accomplishments, and please continue to keep up all of your great advocacy work in Ohio…

    xoxo
    Kristen McCosh
    MWA 2008

    Posted by Kristen McCosh, MWA 2008 | July 29, 2008, 10:09 pm
  58. You have such a light about you. You are stylish, funny and such a great advocate for the passions of your heart. John and I enjoyed getting to know you and your family.

    Jaime Blanton
    MWKY 2008

    Posted by John and Jaime Blanton | July 30, 2008, 5:10 pm
  59. Shari,
    It was very nice meeting you at MWA. I wish you the best of luck.
    Nadia

    Posted by Nadia Massuda | August 4, 2008, 6:43 pm
  60. Hi Shari,

    I was a pleasure getting to know you during the week of Nationals. I wish you continued success in everything that you set out to do. And remember, no matter what, you are always a queen. Keep in touch.

    Denise
    Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2008

    Posted by Denise Thomas | August 9, 2008, 1:37 am
  61. Congratulations on representing your state in a great way! It was fun meeting you, and wish you best of luck in your future endevours.

    If you want to stay in touch please email me at reevepupandkittens@sbcglobal.net

    Posted by Elizabeth Reeve | August 10, 2008, 8:49 pm
  62. Hello beautiful friend. , Thinking of you. Miss you a lot. I’ll try to call you soon. Fondly,Rose W.

    Posted by Rose Williams | August 22, 2008, 9:49 pm

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