A total of $22,230.16 in support of programs for individuals with disabilities as these 14 individuals, ages 4-28, secured their “votes” to serve on the Fiesta Especial® Royal Court.

“We’re breaking new ground for inclusion in the community… it’s a very important step in a wonderful direction.” says Melanie Cawthon, lead planning coordinator for the Fiesta Especial® and Director of Marketing and Resource Development for Reaching Maximum Independence, Inc.

Cherice Cochrane Mentoring For Success
H.E.B.
Royal Tuxedo Bridal & Prom
Special Care Dentistry (The Chu Family)
Atlantis Discovered
Kim Cutcher, Brandon Wallace & Ciera Taylor

Ability Pediatrics for Kids in Motion
Down Syndrome Association of SA
CALAB, Inc. for Warm Hearts - Warm Homes
Monarch Academy at Morgan's Wonderland
University UMC for u|ability
River City Christian School

Julian is an energetic eight year old born in San Antonio.  He has two sisters, a loving mom and dad and extended family who feel blessed by his caring nature and sense of humor. His love for life, family, friends and God is evidenced by his unlimited joy.  Boundless imagination has given him amazing and unique access to the world around him.  He is currently in 2nd grade with an all A average and is a Wii master. 

Jada Nicole Cherry was born in Heidelberg, Germany, October 5, 1998 to proud parents Aundrey and Sherri Cherry and an eager big sister Jasmine. Jada is known as a “Military Brat”, She was born in Europe and she has lived in North Carolina and Hawaii. Before moving with her family to San Antonio in 2006.  Jada is an 8th grader at Hector P. Garcia Middle School; she is in the ALE program and attends the Acting Up Academy after school.  Jada participated in the choir for her 6th and 7th grade year and is currently in the school arts program. Jada has been on the A/B honor for the last 3 years and is looking forward to attending Louis D. Brandies High School in the fall of 2012.  Jada is a girl scout who enjoys selling cookies each year and learning and growing with the other young ladies of Troop 1915.  Jada is also a member of the Keen Teens as a part of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. where she works with other kids her age on different community events and activities.  Jada has participated in the San Antonio Jack and Jill of America Chapter Founder’s Day Fashion Show and Luncheon.  She is junior chair of Team Jada All Stars, nonprofit organization raising awareness and promoting the inclusion of children and young adults into regular activities and programs for all.  Jada aspires to be a “Pop Star” and a teacher, depending on what day of the week she is asked.  Jada’s her family and friends think she is very special, but she is also an average teen girl who enjoys talking on her, cell phone, shopping, beating everyone at Wii or Xbox Kinect and just hanging out with her girlfriends.

Gabriel Hey is a high school student at Monarch Academy. He is an active 17-year-old who is very much involved in the community.  Gabriel attends Community Bible Church where he dances Hip Hop and leads worship with Puresound, the high school choir.  Gabriel enjoys sports of any kind, but he especially loves to play baseball and soccer in the spring and fall. 

In his leisure time, Gabriel is dancing along to High School musical or singing to KLOVE on the radio.  He enjoys his time with his friends and would love to someday work at Disney World in Florida.  Gabriel is supported by his parents, Pete and Maria, and his siblings, Hannah and Malachi.  Gabriel is very social and loves to tell jokes!

Elizabeth Alana Oveland was born May 11, 1995. Elizabeth, who goes by "Lizzy" is a precocious, witty, sensitive, caring person. She loves to swim, bowl, play basketball, enjoys going to church at Grace Fellowship Baptist Church, and as our Pastor says "opens many doors" in her life through her caring attitude and friendliness.

Lizzy absolutely loves attending school at Monarch Academy at Morgan's Wonderland. She enjoys learning from the creative and engaging teachers at there.  She is surrounded by a team which includes her parents who give her security and limitless opportunities. Lizzy has an adoring family: her older brother and protector, Chris, Dad Greg, and Mom Debbie. A favorite outing is going to visit her Aunt Amelia who lives close to Lizzy, both geographically and in her heart. Lizzy adores her cat Eve and another rescue pet, her brother's dog Shep.  Lizzy is joy!

Jonathan Thomas Davis, better known as JT to his friends, is a senior at river City Christian School and the son of John and Mitzi Davis. Jonathan is a member of the national honor society, and president of the student council. He is a 4 -year letterman in football, basketball and track at River city and has gained All District honors in football, basketball and track and All State honors on track. He loves to hunt and fish and spend time with his friends. He has a love for classic cars and hopes one day to own a 1965 Mustang. Jonathan is planning on attending Schreiner University in the fall and major in exercise science or possible criminal justice.

Bethany Rheannon Chambers is 18 years young. She was born and raised in San Antonio Texas, a true country girl at heart.  She loves her parents Ryan and Shannon Strey with all my heart. Bethany’s hobbies are playing with her dachshund, Allison Hope, and hanging out with her best friend since third grade, Brittney. She is currently a senior at River City Christina School where she has been a student since the 3rd grade. It truly is her second home! Bethany works there in the after school program with the best mentor ever, Ms. Guzman! When she graduates she would like to start her college education at Our Lady of the Lake University. After obtaining her degree in Early Childhood Development, her dream is to open up her very own daycare called Boys and Girls!   Bethany feels very blessed and thankful for the  opportunity to stand up here today and represent River City Christina School!

Luis is getting ready to celebrate his 4th birthday!  He has the heart of a prince and brings a smile to everyone around him.  He loves Lightening McQueen and all things Cars. His quick wit will always catch you off guard.  Luis has cerebral palsy.  Though his body does not always move as fast as his mind does, he is never downhearted!  He is creative and playful and is a true joy to know.  Your day is simply better just having spent time with him!

Caitlyn is a true princess.  At just 5 years old, she believes that function should always come second to fashion!  She is a true star and is the center of attention wherever she goes.  Caitlyn is extremely motivated with a zest for life we should all strive for.  Though the neurological disorder she fights against provides many hurdles, Caitlyn tackles them head on!  Disability is a word she does not recognize because she proves everyday that anything is possible.   

Quelyn Annixa Ontiveros (pronounced kay-lin a-nee-sa) was born on January 31, 2007 in San Antonio, Texas. Quelyn was born with Spina Bifida and even though she has only been walking for just over a year, she is an incredibly active little girl. Quelyn takes dance classes every week through KinderDance. She loves to go swimming with her big sister and play in the playplace at Chick-fil-a. Her favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese and she LOVES chocolate milk.