It was a busy year for Misty Yanish, a former resident of Maple Lake and graduate of Maple Lake High School, who was crowned in March as Ms. Wheelchair Minnesota 2004.
She has spent considerable time throughout the year attending parades and events promoting disability awareness while also advocating for individuals with disabilities.
This summer, Yanish was a special guest at the Mobility for Independence Celebrity Fundraiser banquet and golf tournament. She also took part in several parades which included the 4th of July Parade in Annandale, the Monticello River Fest parade and appeared at the Children’s Museum for their disability awareness day. At the conclusion of the summer, Yanish attended the Minnesota State Fair where she spoke to several TV and radio stations.
Coming up for Yanish on January 29 will be the Roll & Stroll event at the Mall of America.
Yanish earned her prestigious title after completing one-on-one interviews with a team of judges, an on-stage speech and answering additional questions by a panel of judges at the Ms. Wheelchair Minnesota Pageant. As Ms. Wheelchair Minnesota, she promotes disability awareness and advocates for people with disabilities by speaking to businesses, organizations, school groups and other members of the community.
In May, Yanish will gradudate with a degree in Child & Adult Care.
Yanish said she is grateful to everyone in her hometown community of Maple Lake and to her family and friends for all of their support.
“It has been a fantastic year for me,” she said “I hope I have really helped out the disabled community and I hope even though I am giving up my title in a few months that I will be able to still help out the community. I would like everyone to know that I am still going to advocate for people with disabilities as much as I can, so if there are any events that you would like me to help out at, please feel free to let me know. I want to say a big thank you to all my family and friends for all of their support!”