Struthers students inspire classmate

STRUTHERS — The push to elect Sarah Williams Struthers High School prom queen wasn’t like most high-school prom campaigns.

It wasn’t a popularity contest or about outer beauty.

“We wanted to make you happy, to show you we all care about you,” senior Kara Thompson, 18, said.

“She’s always happy no matter what,” said senior Julie DeSalvo, 18.

“It was the least we could do to show our appreciation for Sarah,” said Noah Linnen, 18, and a senior.

Sarah, 19, was born with leukodystrophy, a rare genetic disorder affecting the central nervous system. It’s a progressive disorder. Bridgette Brumert, Sarah’s personal attendant, helps Sarah throughout the school day. The two have been together for 13 years.

She is confined to a wheelchair and has difficulty speaking, but she’s all smiles when she wears her crown and prom sash.

“It was fun,” she said of the big night, May 1.

For the complete story, read Sunday's Vindicator and Vindy.com