FORMER CAPE GIRARDEAN WINS MISS WHEELCHAIR TENNESSEE

Carrie Smith Padgett, formerly of Cape Girardeau, has been named Miss Wheelchair Tennessee.

She was honored for her accomplishments in volunteer activities, purpose, goals in life and talent.

Padgett is a spinal cord peer counselor for Easter Seals, volunteer GED teacher for handicapped persons, and a participant in the Easter Seals Children's fishing tournament. She has received the Mayors Award in Nashville for Outstanding Citizen and is a volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House in Nashville. She was named Outstanding Adult in Scouting for the Otahki Girl Scout Council and served as a camp director of the Otahki Girl Scout Council.

A graduate of Cape Girardeau Central High School in 1987, she is a kindergarten teacher for Nashville public schools. She is the daughter of Edwin and Janet Smith of Cape Girardeau.

As Miss Wheelchair Tennessee, Padgett will make public appearances to promote disability awareness throughout Tennessee.

She will also compete in September for the national crown. The competition will be held in Colorado.