KENSINGTON – It was a homecoming of sorts for 10-year-old Paxton Cole as she concluded a busy week, having visited 65 Island schools in her role as the 2013 Easter Seals ambassador.
Paxton completed her journey at her home school Thursday, Queen Elizabeth Elementary in Kensington.
Paxton has cerebral palsy, which impacts her mobility.
With a broad smile, Paxton walked into a packed auditorium to a standing ovation from her fellow students and teachers.
Her message is a simple one. She said she doesn’t want others to look at what people with disabilities can’t do, but instead look at what they can do.
“See my smile, not my walker,” she said.
Paxton had one word to describe her experience as the Easter Seals ambassador.
“Exciting,” she said.
The Grade 5 student said travelling the way she did has been tiring at times, but also very rewarding.
She said one of the best experiences she has had is being able to visit all the schools across Prince Edward Island and meeting the students.
When asked how many students she met in her travels, Paxton said, “a lot.”
Wherever she went, her message was the same.
“People with challenges can do anything,” she said.
One of Paxton’s favourites sayings is: “I can do anything I set my mind to, sometimes I just need to figure out the Paxton way to do it.”
She is a shining example of the philosophy. One of the things she likes to do with her friends is horseback riding.
The students in Kensington had a surprise for Paxton and the organizers of the Easter Seals Campaign.
The school presented Paxton with a cheque for $6,000 for the campaign.
Of the experience, Paxton said she wouldn’t mind doing it all over again.
Source: The Journal Pioneer
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