Heather Whitestone is an inspiring individual who overcame significant challenges in her life to become the first deaf woman to be crowned Miss America in 1995. Her triumph in the pageant brought widespread attention not only to her personal achievements but also to the potential of people with disabilities. Here’s a detailed account of her life, from her early days as a deaf child to where she is today.
Early Life and Growing Up Deaf
- Full Name: Heather Leigh Whitestone McCallum
- Birth Date: February 24, 1973
- Hometown: Dothan, Alabama
Heather Whitestone lost most of her hearing at 18 months of age due to a severe case of Hemophilus influenzae virus and subsequent high fevers, which caused permanent damage to her auditory nerves. Her family discovered that she was deaf when she did not respond to loud sounds.
Despite the challenges, Heather’s parents were determined to help her succeed. Her mother, Daphne, tirelessly worked to teach her to speak, read lips, and build confidence. Heather was enrolled in Mainstreamed Educational Programs, which meant that instead of attending a deaf-only school, she studied alongside hearing peers. She relied heavily on lip-reading and had access to speech therapy to help develop her communication skills.
During her early years, Heather faced bullying and exclusion, but she never let this discourage her. From an early age, she demonstrated resilience and a fervent desire to prove that being deaf didn’t limit her potential.
Education
Heather attended schools that catered to students with hearing difficulties. In the beginning, she struggled academically, as lip-reading was arduous, but her determination helped her to excel over time.
After high school, Heather attended Jacksonville State University (JSU) in Alabama. During her time at JSU, she focused on her passion for public speaking and motivational storytelling, which played a significant role in her decision to enter beauty pageants.
Does Heather Whitestone use Sign Language?
Heather Whitestone primarily relied on lip-reading and spoken communication throughout her life, as she was part of a “mainstreamed” system of education that emphasized oral methods over sign language. Although she did not grow up using American Sign Language (ASL) fluently, she has expressed respect for sign language and has learned some ASL as an adult. However, her preference in communication is verbal and written rather than purely visual.
How did Heather Whitestone get into Beauty Pageants?
Heather Whitestone’s decision to enter beauty pageants stemmed from her desire to inspire others and overcome both personal and societal obstacles. Her journey into pageantry began as a way to challenge herself and raise awareness about opportunities for people with disabilities.
After struggling academically early in her life, Heather was inspired by a Bible verse: Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”). She credits her faith with pushing her to achieve her dreams despite the odds. She viewed pageantry as a platform to share her story of overcoming adversity and inspire others.
In 1994, Heather competed and won the title of Miss Alabama, which qualified her to compete in the Miss America pageant held in Atlantic City in 1995.
In 1995, Heather won the Miss America crown at the age of 21, becoming the first-ever deaf contestant to achieve this milestone. Her performance included an inspirational ballet routine to “Via Dolorosa”, which captivated the judges and audience. She used her platform as Miss America to highlight issues relating to the deaf and disability communities and emphasized education and self-advocacy.
Marriage and Children
After her tenure as Miss America, Heather married John McCallum in 1996. John is a former executive with the Alabama Republican Party and a political consultant. Together, they have four children: three sons (John, James, and Wilson) and an adopted daughter, Lily.
Life After Winning Miss America
Since winning the Miss America crown in 1995, Heather Whitestone has continued to inspire others through her advocacy work, public speaking, and writing.
Heather became a renowned motivational speaker, traveling across the United States and abroad to share her story with students, organizations, and companies. Her speeches often focus on themes of overcoming adversity, achieving goals through faith, and spreading awareness about disability rights. She also worked to promote inclusion and the importance of education.
Heather has authored several books, including:
- “Listening with My Heart” (1997): An autobiography chronicling her life story and experiences as Miss America.
- “Believing the Promise: Daily Devotions for Following Your Dreams” (1999): A collection of devotionals aimed at inspiring readers to stay motivated and faithful in pursuing their dreams.
- “Let God Surprise You” (2003): A reflection on how faith played a major role in her life and successes.
In 2002, Heather made the life-changing decision to receive a cochlear implant, a device that allowed her to experience sound more clearly for the first time since losing her hearing in childhood. She later described this experience as transformative. Her decision stirred some controversy within the deaf community, as some critics felt it suggested a preference for hearing solutions over embracing deaf identity. Heather, however, emphasized that the decision was personal and based on her desire for new experiences.
Heather became an active voice advocating for better resources and education for deaf children. She worked with organizations like the Helen Keller Foundation and promoted initiatives aimed at improving child literacy and access to technology for the deaf. She is now known as one of many influential women in Deaf history.
Where Is She Now?
Today, Heather Whitestone lives a quieter life with her family. She continues to work on projects related to disability advocacy, giving periodic speeches when opportunities align. While much of her focus is on her family, Heather remains an inspirational figure who demonstrated that being deaf is not a limitation but an opportunity to thrive differently.
Her story is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and ambition. Whether through her books, speeches, or public appearances, Heather Whitestone continues to inspire millions to overcome challenges and chase their dreams.
