Meet New Oxford graduate, Special Olympian Kayleigh McMaster
NEW OXFORD, Pa. — Kaleigh McMaster, 18, of New Oxford, a 13-year Special Olympian, graduated from New Oxford High School in May. A well-versed athlete, Kaleigh participates in Team Adams sports including, basketball, floor hockey, swimming, tennis, pickleball, golf, powerlifting, bocce, volleyball, bowling, and athletics (track).
Kaleigh鈥檚 biggest challenge is her club foot, but she just pushes through it and says, 鈥淚 just hope to get better each week.鈥� She continued, 鈥淚 do not let my down syndrome define me.鈥� She enjoys learning new skills and meeting new friends. She tries to always remember the advice she鈥檚 received over her years competing and cheering, 鈥淒on鈥檛 give up. Keep giving it your best and don鈥檛 be afraid to try new things.鈥�
Kaleigh was a New Oxford Colonial cheerleader for 6 years. Her coach, Caitlynne Edwards speaks fondly of her, 鈥淜aleigh does not let her disability stop her from soaking in everything this world has to offer. She鈥檚 not afraid to try new things and always brings the sunshine. She has been a bright light to our New Oxford Cheerleading program, and brought us many smiles and memories over the years!鈥�
Kaleigh loves going to Penn State football games. Every year she attends the PSU Blue-White Game and participates in the Paterno Family Beaver Stadium Run to raise money for Special Olympics PA. Kaleigh also performs in the Penguin Project with Gettysburg Community Theatre each year, which is a national program that pairs children with disabilities with peer mentors who join them on stage to perform a modified Broadway show. In her free time, Kayleigh enjoys spending time with her niece and nephew.
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