SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) An act of kindness, and acceptance, by Murray High School students has been viewed a 100-million times by people across the nation and in far-away countries. The remarkable story happened more than a decade ago, but continues to inspire people.
In 1997 Shellie Eyre was elected Homecoming Queen. Shellie has Downs-Syndrome. The Foundation for A Better Life created a television public service announcement that re-enacts the moment when Shellie received her crown. The role is played by another Utah native, Becca Winegar, who also has Downs-Syndrome. She says it was an honor to portray Shellie, and it fulfilled a lifelong dream of her own.” I love it because I’ve always wanted to be a film maker.”
Today marked another milestone in what has already been a remarkable journey for the two women. The Foundation for A Better Life has now partnered with theaters across the country to put the PSA in front of a new audience, as a preview. The debut was a red carpet event at the Megaplex Theatre in Sandy. It will be shown at all Larry H. Miller theatres from Ogden to Lehi immediately, and then spread to others nationwide within the month.
Gary Dixon, President of The Foundation for a Better Life, says Shellie Eyre’s story continues to inspire others to reach for greatness.” No matter what is against you, what disadvantages you might have in life, take a look and see what could happen with a positive attitude and hard work.” Dixon also says it’s a story of acceptance and kindness that continues to resonate.” You see somebody do something good and you go wow, maybe I could do something too, little old me, maybe I could do something that has the power of this.”
Ted Eyre says his daughter’s story has inspired other students, in other schools, to honor their classmates in the same way as Shellie. “Shelly was the very first special needs Homecoming Queen that we know of anywhere. After the announcements started airing we found out it was happening in many other communities because it was an example to many others.”
The Eyre’s have gotten responses from South America and as far away as Europe from people who were touched by the actions of the students at Murray High. Ted Eyre has now written a book about the experience. He says while he is happy that the story continues to live on, he’s also disappointed that it is still an event that remains extraordinary. “It surprises me, in some ways it almost saddens me that it is still unusual. It’s too bad that it’s not prevalent and that we could all have these kind of experiences all of the time.”
The Foundation for a Better Life says it is showing Shellie’s story again to a new audience, with the hope that kindness, and acceptance, become more commonplace. Becca Winegar longs for that day as well. She sings, and signs, a song written by Janice Kapp Perry. Tears stream down her face, as her wavering voice brings poignancy to the lyrics which plea for understanding. “I laugh and I cry, in so many ways, I am just like you.”
